Jury convicts school janitor who attacked student

06:30 PM Mountain Standard Time on Thursday, May 31, 2007

By azfamily.com

County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced Thursday that a jury has convicted 27-year-old Roberto Lemus-Retana for the August 25, 2006 attack of a 14-year-old freshman at Scottsdale's Saguaro High School.

A jury Thursday found the defendant guilty of four counts of sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 15, one count of sexual abuse of a minor, and one count of public sexual indecency.

Lemus-Retana, an undocumented immigrant, was working as a janitor at the school when he attacked the girl.

The victim had returned to school after hours to retrieve a book when the defendant molested the girl, who had just turned 14 at the time of the incident.

Lemus-Retana faces 52 to 86 years in prison when he is sentenced July 5.

"I am pleased the jury was able to reach this verdict in a case that shocked the community," said County Attorney Andrew Thomas.

"I want to praise the brave young victim who endured a trial in which the defense attorney called her a liar in open court. Her willingness to come forward and testify ensures the defendant won't be able to victimize any other children or young people."

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