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LOS ANGELES (CNS) — A Los Angeles man was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in jail for sexually abusing a minor, the City Attorney’s Office announced Monday, touting the case as an example of its efforts to crack down on people who victimize minors.
Jacinto Mendez, 36, was convicted in December of 13 misdemeanor charges including sexual battery, lewd acts on a child, corporal injury to a child and willful cruelty to a child, according to court records. He was sentenced Dec. 23 to 12 1/2 years behind bars.
Mendez must also register as a sex offender for life, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto added.
“The safety, health and well-being of our most vulnerable residents – our children – has been one of my top priorities. This is one of the longest sentences our office has secured,” Feldstein Soto said. “I am proud of the prosecutors in my office who dedicate themselves to this work and give voice in the halls of justice to our kids.”
Feldstein Soto said the abuse by Mendez occurred when the victim – a female relative of the defendant — was 13 and 14 years old.
The city attorney credited the Los Angeles Police Department, the Center for Assault Treatment Services, and the Stuart House and UCLA Rape Treatment Center for their work.
LAPD Assistant Chief Emada Tingirides said the department works closely with the city attorney to bring justice to victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking.
“Our joint efforts include legal action, community outreach and awareness campaigns. Together, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by these crimes,” Tingirides said in a statement.
According to the First National Survivor Study, “In Harm’s Way – How Systems Fail Human Trafficking Survivors,” commissioned by Polaris, 84% of trafficked victims experienced sexual abuse at one point of their childhood.
The L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services reminds Angelenos that if they suspect a child is being abused or neglected, to call their toll-free, 24/7, Child Protection Hotline immediately at 800-540-4000.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
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