When people are accused of wrongdoing, it is common for them to deny the allegations against them. Even when individuals commit heinous crimes, like the sexual abuse of a child, they may still try to maintain their innocence. Fortunately, the law works to hold culpable parties accountable for their actions and impose the proper punishment.
It was recently reported that one New Mexico man’s appeal of a sexual abuse conviction did not go in his favor. The man was reported as being a former priest and was accused of sexually abusing an altar boy on multiple occasions. The man was convicted in 2019 of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact with a minor under 12.
The man attempted to appeal the conviction and subsequent sentencing, but the federal appeals court upheld the conviction. The following additional information regarding the case was provided:
- The man is facing 30 years behind bars as a result of the conviction.
- The accused had left the United States for several years before being brought back to the country to face justice.
- The court of appeals believed that the man received a fair trial and that his constitutional rights were upheld, resulting in the conviction standing.
Ensuring that someone who has committed sexual abuse against a child or other person faces just consequences is not always easy. Far too many people try to avoid facing their wrongdoing. Fortunately, survivors of such abuse do have options for holding their abusers accountable and working toward the justice their situations deserve. As this New Mexico case shows, seeing abusers face punishment is possible.