Thread: AL: Man sentenced for raping child

Man sentenced for raping child
Illegal immigrant sentenced to two 22-year sentences

By Tom Smith
Senior Staff Writer

Published: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, October 5, 2009 at 10:12 p.m.

RUSSELLVILLE - A Franklin County man accused of raping and abusing a 10-year-old girl has been sentenced to two 22-year sentences, authorities said.

Gilberto R. Avarado, 34, 980 Franklin 60, Russellville, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree rape, according to Franklin Courthouse officials.

Avarado was arrested on the charges June 5, 2008.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said the plea agreement was reached after discussing the case with the victim's family. He said the girl's mother approved the agreement based on the child's age. "As well as not wanting to put her through the difficulty of her having to testify at trial," Rushing said.

Avarado was accused of abusing the child, who was an acquaintance.

Authorities said Avarado was sexually abusing the child for at least two years. The abuse was reported to the Franklin County Department of Human Resources, which contacted the sheriff's office.

"DHR and the (Cramer) Children's Center played a big part in this case," Rushing said. "Both agencies did an excellent job in interviewing the victim."

Courthouse officials said Avarado was charged with rape and sexual abuse charges at the time of his arrest. Additional charges were added by a grand jury in September 2008.

The other charges were dismissed upon his pleading guilty to the two first-degree rape charges, authorities said. First-degree rape is a Class A felony and carries a penalty of 10 years to life.

Rushing said Avarado's sentences will run concurrently.

Investigators said Avarado has been in jail without bail since his arrest because he was deemed a possible flight risk - he had been in Franklin County illegally for at least 10 years.

Courthouse officials said because of his residential status, a hold has been placed on him by the U.S. Department of Immigration since he is an illegal immigrant from Guatemala. Rushing said it is his understanding that Avarado is scheduled to be deported once he completes his prison sentence.

www.timesdaily.com

He started this when the poor girl was only 8 or 9? Why did it take so long to come to light? Were the girl and her parents IAs too?

Added to Homepage with amended title:
http://www.alipac.us/article-4571--0-0.html