Augusto Carrera, 45, of McKinney, was sentenced to 45 years in prison without parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced
Collin County District Attorney
Greg Willis. "This predator will never violate another child again because this courageous teenager spoke out," added Willis.
A relative of the 14-year-old victim found her in a frantic state just after being sexually assaulted. Carrera, who was known to the victim's family, was in the bathroom. The victim's relative asked the victim what happened. The victim said Carrera sexually assaulted her and had assaulted her numerous times over the course of two years. The victim's relative reported the abuse to law enforcement.
McKinney Police Department investigated the case and Detective
Jason Pruett and Officer
Robert Ensor interviewed Carrera. When they asked Carrera about the abuse, he said the victim tells the truth and does not lie.
Eli Molina with the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the victim who disclosed details about the abuse, how it progressed over the years, and that she did not tell anyone earlier because Carrera told her, "No one will ever believe you."
The jury returned a guilty verdict on all eight counts Thursday, Sept. 13, including Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Indecency with a Child, and Sexual Assault of a Child. Following the jury's guilty verdicts, Judge
John Roach Jr. sentenced Carrera to 45 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.
After punishment concluded, the victim, who receives special education services at school due to her developmental delays, bravely read her victim impact statement in court.
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys
Peter Ganyard and
Brandon Wonnacott prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator
Greg Bowers, Legal Secretary
Erin Fontenot, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Susanne Riggs and Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County Family Advocates
Jennifer Pineda and Myrna Mason.
