Burnet man sentenced to 50 years on multiple indecency with a child convictions
On Jan. 9, A Burnet County jury found Martin Mendoza-Tovar, 54, of Burnet, guilty on three counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact.
On Jan. 9, A Burnet County jury found Martin Mendoza-Tovar, 54, of Burnet, guilty on three counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact.
The jury assessed a punishment of 25 years imprisonment on each count. 33rd District Court Judge Allen Garrett determined that Medoza-Tovar would serve two sentences consecutively and one in full, meaning his total sentence is 50 years in the Texas prison system.
According to a media release issued by the 33rd/424th District Attorney’s Office, Mendoza-Tovar was convicted after a week-long trial showed evidence that he had sexually abused his step-granddaughter over a two-year period. Two of his granddaughters also testified that he had sexually abused them when they were children.
The jury also heard testimony from the victim’s family members, including her mother, sister, cousin, aunt, and grandmother. Forensic interviewers from the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center also offered expert testimony about the abuse.
Assistant district attorneys Sheri Bloom and Michael Walker prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Texas. Mendoza-Tovar was represented by attorney Richard Davis. The Burnet Police Department and the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation and trial.
“Justice was served because of the courage of the victims, the hard work of law enforcement, and the jury’s diligence and attentiveness,” wrote Assistant District Attorney Bloom in the release. “It’s always a tragedy when a child is betrayed and victimized by a trusted family member, but today’s verdict ensures that this defendant will never be able to harm another child.”
District Attorney Perry Thomas also commented on the outcome.
“Child abuse is an ever-present scourge in our community and throughout the State of Texas, but we’re working every single day, with the help of our tireless law enforcement partners, to hold every child abuser accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.