NEW BOSTON, Texas -- A man who fondled a young girl related to him by marriage was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison by a Bowie County jury.
Leonardo Delgado, 67, did not testify during the punishment phase of his trial Thursday, though he did take the stand Wednesday before the jury convicted him of indecency with a child by sexual contact. The victim was 10 when she told an older adult female relative about the abuse.
The jury returned to the Bowie County courthouse Thursday morning and heard testimony and arguments concerning the punishment Delgado should receive in the range of two to 20 years in prison.
The victim testified Wednesday that it was something she believed she saw developing between a slightly younger female cousin and Delgado that motivated her to come forward in April 2020 following a family Easter egg hunt on property in Malta, Texas.
The father of the cousin testified Thursday on Delgado's behalf, as did several others. Under cross-examination by Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter, the witness denied having any concern for his daughter's safety with respect to Delgado.
"Behind that person that everybody thought they knew is an individual who molests children," Carter argued in her closing remarks.
Delgado's lawyer, Michael Friedman of Texarkana, argued that Delgado has done "what society would have him do" since moving from Mexico to the U.S. in 1985, citing Delgado's exemplary work history and support network. Friedman asked the jury for a minimum two-year term.
Delgado's son suggested while testifying that Delgado could face deportation upon release from prison as he is a green card holder and not a U.S. citizen.
Carter urged the jurors to consider not just Delgado but the victim as well when arriving at their verdict.
"Two years is not enough," Carter argued. "That child could not have been more brave."
Delgado was taken into custody Wednesday evening after the jury's guilty verdict was read by 5th District Judge Bill Miller. He will remain in the Bowie County jail until transported to a unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Carter said Delgado will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
Leonardo Delgado