CRIMINAL JUSTICE
A local jury this week sentenced a San Angelo man to 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole for the crime of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child.
The trial of Joel Horacio Morales, 36, began on Jan. 12 in the 119th District Court, with Judge Gonzalo Rios presiding.
According to a news release from District Attorney John Best, jurors heard testimony against Morales, who was indicted in June of 2019 after an outcry from a 12-year-old girl who told a family member Morales had been sexually assaulting her for two years.
According to court records, the San Angelo Police Department was contacted, and Detective Rebecca Stuart began a criminal investigation that produced evidence leading to Morales’ indictment.
According to the news release, after hearing the testimony and reviewing the evidence, the jury deliberated for a little more than three hours before finding the defendant guilty
Morales elected to have the jury assess punishment, and during that phase of the trial, the victim told the jury how the abuse had impacted her, while the State offered evidence of the defendant’s prior criminal history, which included two felony convictions; one for Possession of Cocaine, and another for Evading Arrest or Detention with a Motor Vehicle, along with his five misdemeanor convictions.
Testifying on behalf of the defendant, the 17-year-old daughter of the defendant’s current fiancé testified about how a long sentence would affect her family.
After hearing all of the evidence, the jury sentenced the defendant to 50 years confinement in the state prison. According to Texas law, parole is not available for this offense.
The jury was dismissed with the thanks of the Court.
D.A. Best thanked the jury for its careful consideration, and applauded the courage of the victim, who took the stand to confront her abuser.
“We hope that this verdict will provide a step forward in the healing process, and that she is able close the door on this awful period in her life,” Best said.
“Prosecuting crimes against children involves a team effort. We want to thank everyone involved in investigating this case including San Angelo Police Department and Hope House. Our office remains committed to working closely with the victims in these cases and seeking justice for our children and our community.”
First-Assistant D.A. Ashley Knight assisted in the prosecution.
