Montgomery County Man Sentenced to Life for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
In a trial that concluded on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Montgomery County resident Alejandro Arteaga received a life sentence for sexually abusing a child under the age of six. The severe nature of the charge ensures that Arteaga will not be eligible for parole.
The legal proceedings began on Monday, November 13, 2023, when Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Ryan Fuller orchestrated the selection of a jury to preside over an aggravated sexual assault case dating back to 2010. Assistant District Attorney Frances Tommaso delivered the opening statement, after which the jury heard emotional testimony from two victims, now approaching adulthood, who recounted instances of sexual abuse by Arteaga when they were under six years old.
Expert witness Dr. Danielle Madera offered insights into the impact of such abuse on young children and childhood memory. Forensic Interviewer Mary Phillips and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department Detective Michael Lee provided the jury with crucial details pertaining to the investigation and the victim’s outcry.
Following a brief deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of guilty for the charged offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Due to the victim’s age at the time of the offense, younger than six years old, Arteaga faced a punishment range of twenty-five years to life, with no possibility of parole.
During the subsequent punishment phase, Assistant District Attorneys Fuller and Tommaso presented testimony highlighting Arteaga’s prior felony conviction for theft. Additionally, the victim shared details about the challenges she faced as a survivor of this heinous crime and her determined journey toward justice.
After deliberating for less than ten minutes, the jury sentenced Alejandro Arteaga to life in prison.
“What Alejandro Arteaga did to young children in the dark has now been brought to light, thanks to the bravery of the survivors in this case. The jury sent an immediate, direct, and overwhelming message to him and anyone else who would abuse kids in our county. Do that, and this will be your fate. ”, said Prosecutor Ryan Fuller