An illegal alien suspect with a rap sheet that goes back to 2014 has been sentenced to 50 years in prison following a recent jury trial in Burnet County.
On Friday, Jan. 9, a jury found Martin Mendoza-Tovar, 53, guilty of three counts of indecency with child by sexual contact. The jury assessed punishment at 25 years’ imprisonment on each count.
Judge Allen Garrett of the 33rd District Court ordered that one 25-year sentence would be served consecutively to the remaining two, resulting in a total sentence of 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
“Evidence presented during the week-long trial showed that Men- doza-Tovar sexually abused his step-granddaughter over a twoyear period,” according to a media release from the DA’s office. “In addition, two of Mendoza-Tovar’s granddaughters testified that he had also sexually abused them when they were children.
“The jury heard compelling testimony from the victim and her family members, including her mother, sister, cousin, aunt and grandmother,” the statement continued. “Forensic interviewers from the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center also offered expert testimony about the abuse.”
Documents showed his initial arrest on a charge of indecency with a child (contact) in 2014. He was released from the jail at that time on a $40,000 bond.
In 2019, he was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) based in Austin. He was released and then in December 2021 when he was charged with public intoxication by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office as well as indecent assault and harassment by the Burnet Police Department.
Mendoza-Tovar combined bonds were approximately $32,5000. Jail records show that Mendoza has been held at the Burnet County Jail since December 2021.
Assistant District Attorneys Sheri Bloom and Michael Walker prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Texas. Mendoza-Tovar was represented by attorney Richard Davis. The Burnet Police Department and the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation and trial.
Following the verdict, Assistant District Attorney Bloom praised the verdict, stating: “Justice was served because of the courage of the victims, the hard work of law enforcement, and the jury’s diligence and attentiveness.
“It’s always a tragedy when a child is betrayed and victimized by a trusted family member, but today’s verdict ensures that this defendant will never be able to harm another child,” Bloom added.
33rd/424th Judicial District Attorney Perry Thomas also commented on the outcome: “Child abuse is an ever-present scourge in our community and throughout the State of Texas, but we’re working every single day, with the help of our tireless law enforcement partners, to hold every child abuser accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
