A Bexar County Jury sentenced a San Antonio man to life in prison for sexually abusing a young girl several times for more than two years.
Mario Morales, 46, was convicted Monday of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Evidence showed that Morales began abusing the girl when she was eight years old in 2011. The victim made an outcry when she was 15. When the abuse started, Morales was a registered sex offender after he was convicted of indecency with a child by contact.
The jury sentenced Morales to life in prison this afternoon.
“As parents, we often worry about strangers doing harm to our children. This defendant was known and trusted by this young girl’s family. Her bravery in speaking up and standing up to this defendant in court is commendable. The jury’s verdict sends a clear message to this young lady and Bexar County that we do not want people who prey on our children in this community,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.
Assistant District Attorneys Michael Villarreal and Kathryn Pollard of the Family Violence Division prosecuted this case in the 187th District Court. The San Antonio Police Department investigated the crime.