Former Professor and Chief Diversity Officer Receives One Year Suspended Sentence; Allowed to Leave Country for New Job

By Kat Boushee

Former CCSU professor and chief diversity officer Moises Salinas was found guilty of sexually assaulting a former CCSU student after pleading no contest in New Britain today.

Salinas, 44, was charged with sexual assault in the fourth degree in September of last year after accusations made by a 22-year-old female CCSU student. Salinas had allegedly promised to write the woman a letter of recommendation but insisted on taking her out to lunch.

The alleged incident occurred on Feb. 18 of 2010 at a restaurant in Newington. In the warrant, the woman made claims that Salinas touched her and attempted to kiss her. The woman informed other CCSU faculty the Monday after the incident. An internal investigation by CCSU attorney Carolyn Magnan eventually lead to Newington Police being informed on April 29. Salinas, also charged with unlawful restraint, turned himself into police in September.

Salinas entered the courtroom with his wife and his attorney. When Salinas’ case was called, he asked that his wife be able to stand with him. Judge Hillary Strackbein denied his request, noting that it was a very odd thing for an adult to ask.

After pleading no contest to the charges, Salinas’ lawyer produced a letter to the court stating that Salinas is taking a job out of the country. Salinas received a one year suspended sentence with a two year conditional discharge. This sentence is contingent on Salinas not teaching and resigning his position at CCSU.

As long as Salinas does not break the law in the period of one year he will not go to jail or face further penalty. The judge added that if Salinas does not leave the country or returns before the two years is up, he could be placed on probation.

Salinas, who was an associate professor in the psychology department, was removed from his position of chief diversity officer in March of last year. Salinas was the school’s first chief diversity officer – a position that would handle all sexual assault-related incidents on campus. Rosa Rodriguez was hired at the end of last semester to replace Salinas.

The young woman who was victimized by Salinas gave a statement to the court in which she discussed the impact that this event had on her and how it still affects her to this day. She stated that she has trouble trusting people and feels uncomfortable and even scared on campus. Judge Strackbein commented that parents shouldn’t have to worry when sending their students to school and that students should be able to feel safe with their teachers.