Expert testimony cited as defense seeks treatment; judge accepts plea and sentences Marco Antonio Moreno to 12 years

A defense expert's risk assessment and several family witness statements were heard in court before the judge accepted a plea agreement and sentenced Marco Antonio Moreno to 12 years in prison. The hearing featured testimony from Dr. Steven Thorne, a licensed clinical psychologist who performed a forensic risk assessment and concluded Moreno was a "relatively low risk for sexual recidivism," according to his testimony.

Why it matters: The case involved allegations of sexual offenses against a minor and produced extensive forensic evaluation, a victim impact statement and negotiation that reduced potential exposure from continuous-abuse allegations to an aggravated-sexual-assault count capped by a plea agreement at 12 years.

What happened in court: The defense offered Dr. Thorne as an expert in forensic risk assessment; the court qualified him and admitted defense exhibits including his CV and a written report dated July 5. Dr. Thorne described the assessments he used (including Static-99R and RSVP) and summarized risk and protective factors. He testified the defendant had no prior documented sexual-offense convictions, had employment history and social supports cited as protective factors, and that actuarial scores and the interview supported a low risk classification.

Multiple family members also testified in support of Moreno's release on treatment-based supervision: his sister described regular contact and offered to provide housing and oversight, and other relatives described his role caring for an ailing family member. The state acknowledged extensive negotiations and said the family and complainant had been consulted; the prosecution noted the complainant was 16 and that the victim impact statement had been provided to the court.

Judge's ruling: After reviewing the victim impact statement and the defense materials, the judge accepted the plea bargain and imposed a 12-year sentence. The court ordered chapter-62 compliance (registration obligations), no contact with the complainant or minors, a $1,500 fine and credit for time already served; the court also ordered that Moreno not reside with minors. The judge explained the range of exposure had been higher under continuous-abuse allegations and said defense counsel's negotiation limited the defendant's potential maximum exposure.

Attributions and evidence: Dr. Steven Thorne testified, "He's presently a low risk for sexual recidivism," and the court admitted defense exhibit 2 (Dr. Thorne's report). The prosecutor and defense confirmed plea paperwork and the PSI had been reviewed. Family members who testified included Ilania Resendiz and Aurelia Delavitelasquez; their testimony described housing and care arrangements and family support.

Next steps and conditions: The defendant received the sentence on the record; the judge directed counsel to ensure the trial-court certification of defendant's rights to appeal was signed and placed in the court file. The order includes registration and no-contact conditions; any future relief or placement in treatment programs would require separate requests and approvals consistent with the judgment.