Pascual Reyes-Muniz, in custody, appeared in District Court before Judge Thomas Stockard for sentencing on the Category A Felony of Sexual Assault of a Child under the age of 14. The offense was committed in 2007, and at that time, the mandatory sentence was 20 years to life, with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years.
Senior Deputy DA Chelsea Sanford provided background on the offense, painting a vividly unpleasant picture of a 6-year-old girl hiding under her bed to escape her mom’s boyfriend. “He comes into her room, rips her out of her hiding spot,” said Sanford, “A grown man against a 6-year-old.” Sandford explained that there were no illusions of consent or misunderstanding, “This defendant prioritized urges, however fleeting, with the lifelong expense of a child, taking her innocence.” Sanford concluded her arguments for a stiff penalty, saying, “She should be worrying about learning her ABCs and basic arithmetic,” not being sexually assaulted by a grown man.
Defense counsel for Reyes-Muniz, Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer, addressed Judge Stockard, “Your Honor, the sentence that you impose today is not discretionary. It is mandated, and there is nothing that I can say here that could lessen the penalty.” Sommer said he thinks the tendency of all of us as human beings is to demand a pound of flesh and engage in public flogging. His client has expressed previously, and will continue to communicate, his sorrow and regret for the decisions he has made. Sommers added, “He realizes that does nothing for anyone. And it sounds disingenuous to say that in this venue. But where else would it be done?”
Reyes-Muniz addressed the court through an interpreter. “I regret everything that I did, everything that happened.” He said every crime he committed, everything that he did, he feels so sorry for doing. Reyes-Muniz spoke of his family in Mexico, who now have no one to support them and are left alone. Reyes-Muniz said, “I am truly regretful and ask for forgiveness.”
Reyes-Muniz was sentenced to life in a Nevada State Prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years. If paroled, Reyes-Muniz will be subject to lifetime supervision and must register as a sexual offender upon release.
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