PHOENIX — A man found guilty earlier this year of sexually abusing five children was sentenced to 281 years in prison this week, authorities said.
In April, a jury found 34-year-old Gerardo Estrada guilty of 13 felony counts of sexual abuse with minors. In a release, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said the five children lived with Estrada during the abuse and were between the ages of 5 and 16 years old.
“These young victims endured horrific abuse at an early age,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said. "It is truly an act of bravery for each to have summoned the strength to report these crimes."
During sentencing, one of the victims addressed the court, Mitchell said during a news conference on June 5.
“I’m at a loss for words for what [he] did to me and my [sibling]," the victim stated. "No time in prison can make up for the harm you’ve caused.”
Estrada received what is referred to as flat time, which means he will only be considered for release after he has served the entire 281-year sentence.
“They will live with the emotional scars and the painful memories for the rest of their lives," Mitchell said in a news release. "For these reasons and many more, this criminal deserves the punishment imposed by the court.”
Mitchell urges anyone who has witnessed child abuse to report it to police and the Arizona Department Of Child Safety 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445) or ChildHelp at 1-800-422-4453.
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