April 16, 2015 - I am pleased to announce that Child Abuse Prevention Month, April, has been capped by a jury verdict of Guilty for Juan Merino for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child under 14 years of age.
The jury, speaking on behalf of the community, has today sent a strong message that Child Abuse will not be tolerated in Shelby County, Texas. The jury sentenced Merino to 60 years' incarceration in prison, and assessed a $10,000 fine.
This trial, conviction and sentence was the result of a team effort of dedicated professionals, as well as the courage of one young girl who took the stand in the face of her abuser and was our victim.
I wish to thank Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell, his entire department, and child abuse investigator Chad Brown for their efforts to seek and ensure justice. The entire staff, past and present, of the Child Advocacy Center is to be congratulated on a job well done and for supporting our young victim. Further, the efforts of the Texas Rangers as well as the law enforcement officers of the Center Independent School District are to be commended and recognized.
Merino will not be eligible for parole for 30 years.
