Arden Margulis
I first learned of the horrific charges against Rafael Prado last week through Arden Margulis's detailed report in the Almanac. As a parent, my immediate thought was, "That poor kid." Our hearts go out to this young person, who was so deeply failed by those who should have protected him. But my very next thought was a question of accountability: Why was Councilmember Carlos Romero using his influence to try and get an accused predator out of jail?
A short summary: Councilman Carlos Romero recommended Rafael Prado for employment with the City of East Palo Alto. During the time he was employed with the city, Rafael Prado drugged and raped an 13 year old 8th grade boy who he first met at the EPA Library. After Prado was caught by the police and arrested, Carlos Romero wrote a letter on the city letter head to the court asking for Prado to be released from jail prior to trial.
This is outrageous on every level and is almost unbelievable. However, the facts of this case are clear and there is a trail of written evidence.
Council Member Carlos Romero recommended Prado for a city job after working with him on a COVID vaccination campaign.
In late 2022, Prado allegedly drugged and raped a 13-year-old boy he met at the East Palo Alto Library.
On June 18, 2025, Prado was officially charged. The full indictment is here:
On August 2, 2025—weeks after the indictment—Carlos Romero used city letterhead to petition for Prado’s release from jail. Think about this for a moment - Carlos Romero used his power and influence as an elected official to secretly attempt to influence the courts to release an accused pedophile from jail.
Romero's entire letter can be found here:
Romero’s letter explicitly mentions the charges, proving he was fully aware of the nature of the crimes.
While the court denied the request, citing Prado as a danger to the community, the damage to the public trust is done. It is hypocritical and dangerous for an official to champion youth programs in public while secretly leveraging his office to benefit a violent offender. Carlos Romero picked his side and chose the freedom of a dangerous pedophile over the safety of our kids.
I have many, many questions. First, what relationship or leverage does Prado have with Romero that he would both get him a job working for the city and then write a truly extraordinary letter asking for him to be released from jail?
Prado had a documented criminal record when hired by the city. Did Carlos Romero pressure city staff to hire Prado despite the many red flags? And most importantly: what other letters has Romero written out of sight through the years advocating for criminals over the safety of our community?
The line has been drawn. Carlos Romero has failed his constituents and compromised the safety of our community. Something must be done.
