Court Sentences Moreno to 12 Years for Aggravated Assault of Child

The morning docket of the 187th District Court on July 15, 2025, presided over by Judge Stephanie Boyd, focused on a significant case involving aggravated sexual assault of a child. The court discussed a plea agreement that capped the defendant's sentence at 12 years, a decision that raised concerns regarding the nature of the offense and the impact on the victim.

During the proceedings, the state presented its case, emphasizing the severity of the charges, which originally included continuous sexual assault but were negotiated down to a single count. The court questioned the rationale behind accepting a plea deal for a crime described as "horrendous," particularly given the victim's age and the emotional burden she faced. The complainant, now 16 years old, reportedly felt some responsibility for the situation, which added complexity to the case.

The defense argued that the plea agreement was reached after extensive discussions with the victim's family and was intended to spare her from the trauma of reliving her experiences in court. The state acknowledged the victim's feelings but maintained that the agreement was in her best interest, considering the potential outcomes of a trial.

Judge Boyd noted the significant work done by the defense attorney in negotiating the plea, which reduced the potential sentence from a minimum of 25 years to 12 years. The court ultimately accepted the plea, sentencing the defendant to 12 years in prison, with additional conditions including no contact with the victim or minors and a $1,500 fine.

The proceedings highlighted the delicate balance between justice for the victim and the legal strategies employed in serious criminal cases. The court's decision reflects the complexities involved in cases of this nature, where the emotional and psychological well-being of the victim is a critical consideration.