Daily Democrat (Woodland)

Serial sex offender faces multiple life sentences

- The Daily Democrat

Earlier this week, Miguel Garcia, a 30-year-old Woodland man was sentenced for the sexual assaults of four minor female victims.

Accoridng to a press release from the Yolo County District Attorney's office, the victims were abused at the home of a family member over a period of many years and ranged in age from 5 to 11 years old at the time they were abused.

Judge Samuel T. McAdam sentenced Garcia on Monday to two indetermin­ate life sentences in state prison totaling 30 years plus an additional term of 10 years after his life sentence is served.

Statements written by the victims were read in court on Monday during the sentencing hearing.

The victims expressed to the court they felt sad and angry, scared that Garcia would get out of prison and hurt them again. After hearing from the victims, Judge McAdam remarked how brave each of them was to come forward to tell what happened and reassured each victim that they had done the right thing by speaking up. The victims were supported throughout this legal process by the Yolo County Multi-Disciplina­ry Interview Center and victim advocates from the Yolo County District Attorney's Office.

Garcia pled guilty earlier this year on Jan. 29, on the morning of trial as opening statements were set to begin.

As to Victim #1, Garcia pled guilty to committing a Sexual Act with a Child 10 years of age or Younger by Oral Copulation. As to Victim #2, Garcia pled guilty to committing a Lewd or Lascivious

Act Upon a Child Under 14. As to Victim #3, Garcia pled guilty to committing a Lewd or Lascivious Act Upon a Child Under 14. As to Victim #4, Garcia pled guilty to committing a Lewd or Lascivious Act Upon a Child Under 14. Garcia admitted a special allegation to committing Lewd or Lascivious Acts upon more than one victim. Garcia also admitted the victims were particular­ly vulnerable.

“Today, four young victims faced their abuser and bravely shared how sexual abuse can tear a family apart,” District Attorney Jeff Reisig stated. “Each victim endured years of abuse behind closed doors while Garcia took advantage of a position of trust, committing his crimes through secrecy and deceit. We stand with the victims in deep gratitude that the court sentenced Garcia to a term indicative of the seriousnes­s of his offenses. We hope that the bravery of these young victims here serves as a sign of hope and encouragem­ent for other survivors to come forward to report their own abuse.”

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States