Illegal Immigrant Accepts Plea Deal in Child Sexual Assault
November 23, 2010

WILLMAR, Minn- An illegal immigrant who has been on the run for 10 years will soon receive his sentencing for allegedly sexually assaulting a five-year old girl.

Court documents show 41-year old Tomas Hernandez Lopez accepted a plea deal Monday and will receive his sentencing on January 25th.

10 years ago police were notified that Lopez had allegedly sexually assaulted a five-year old girl several times while babysitting her in her mother's apartment. According to court documents, police asked lopez why the girl admitted to Lopez touching her. Lopez reportedly shrugged his shoulders and did not say anything.

A warrant was issued for Lopez's arrest but authorities did not find him till September 2010. Lopez was handed over to Willmar city police who took him to the Kaniyohi County Jail where he still resides.

Lopez accepted an alford plea deal to one charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct of the fourth degree, a type of plea in which the defendant does not admit guilt but concedes the government has sufficient evidence to convict.

According to court documents, Lopez would have faced several first degree charges of Criminal Sexual Conduct which would have carried harsher penalties.

A judge will decide the amount of extended jail time Lopez will receive. Lopez will then be released to Immigration and Customs Enforcement after serving his time.

Lopez's attorney could not be reached for comment.

Written for the web by Brian Collins.

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