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Press Release

District Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Sexually Abusing 13-year-old Child

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia
Defendant was Child’s Stepfather

           WASHINGTON – A 39-year-old man, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 20 years in prison following a jury trial for sexually abusing his 13-year-old stepdaughter, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu.

           The man, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victim, was found guilty on May 21, 2019, following a jury trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison and a lifetime term of supervised release by the Honorable Ronna Beck. The defendant was sentenced on four counts related to the sexual abuse of his stepdaughter including first-degree sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances. Following his prison term, the man will be required to register for life as a sex offender.

           According to the government’s evidence, one night in the early summer months of 2017, the victim was on a futon with her stepfather’s nephew in her family home. The defendant, angry to find the victim with his nephew, pulled his nephew into the bathroom and scolded him. The defendant then walked toward the victim where she lay hiding under the covers on the futon. The defendant forcefully pinned the victim down while he groped her breasts and penetrated her vagina with his finger. The victim disclosed the sexual abuse to family members several months later.

           In sentencing the defendant, the court made remarks on the familial relationship between the defendant and his young stepdaughter and credited the evidence presented during trial and the sentencing hearing that the defendant had sexually abused the victim in the past.

           In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Division. She also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Children’s Advocacy Center. She acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Tiffany Fogle; and Victim/Witness Advocate Juanita Harris.

           Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa S. West, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

Updated September 13, 2019

Press Release Number: 19-171