A Comfort man convicted of sexually assaulting a teen under his care three years ago is headed to prison for 35 years after accepting a plea agreement.
Gregory Louis Garza, 31, was sentenced Feb. 27 on three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a 13-year-old child by Judge Kirsten Cohoon in the 451st state District Court.
According to prosecutors, the sentencing marks the culmination of a “disturbing case” involving a severe breach of trust and the abuse of a vulnerable minor.
The 13-year-old victim was subjected to repeated acts of sexual abuse while under the defendant’s direct care at his residence March 2022, investigators said.
Evidence presented to the court included a forensic interview with the victim detailing the assaults, with the accounts corroborated by forensic evidence, officials said.
By accepting the plea deal, officials said the victim was spared further emotional distress from testifying in court.
Otherwise, said prosecutors, the teen would have had to relive the “horrific details” of abuse on the witness stand.
“It underscores our unwavering dedication to protecting children and seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse,” said Prosecutor Andrew Fields, “and sends a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated in Kendall County.”
The Kendall County District Attorney’s Office commended the victim for coming forward and providing a detailed account of the offenses.
Prosecutors also praised the swift response from Kendall County sheriff’s Deputy Austin Boxwell and Investigator James Walters.
In addition to Fields, Gretchen Flader also prosecuted the case.
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