On Friday, January 9, a Burnet County jury found Martin Mendoza-Tovar guilty of three counts of Indecency with Child by Sexual Contact. The jury assessed punishment at 25 years’ imprisonment on each count. Judge Allen Garrett of the 33rd District Court ordered that one 25-year sentence would be served consecutively to the remaining two, resulting in a total sentence of 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Evidence presented during the week-long trial showed that Mendoza-Tovar sexually abused his step-granddaughter over a two-year period. In addition, two of Mendoza-Tovar’s granddaughters testified that he had also sexually abused them when they were children. The jury heard compelling testimony from the victim and her 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.
