Starr County Jury Sentences Man to Life in Prison for Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

Jesus Moises Lopez was convicted on three counts of Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child by a jury in Starr County. The trial, which began on January 27, 2025, in the 381st District Court, concluded on January 29 with guilty verdicts. The jury, composed of nine women and three men, imposed three life sentences on Lopez along with the maximum fine of $10,000 per count during the punishment phase.

The case, which brought forward harrowing testimony from a 12-year-old victim, was strongly prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Alexandria L. Barrera and District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez. The case was supported by the Rio Grande City Police Department, the Starr County Sheriff’s Office, and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties.

District Attorney Ramirez emphasized that the verdict sent a clear message about Starr County’s commitment to protecting its children. “We will continue to use every resource to ensure that those who harm our children face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The child victim’s bravery in recounting his experiences before the court was hailed as heroic. His testimony was key to securing justice in this case.

The 229th Judicial District Attorney’s Office remains dedicated to prosecuting crimes that harm children and supports survivors in their pursuit of justice.