The office of District Attorney Michael Murray reported that on Friday, Dec.15, 2023, in the 35th Judicial District Court of Brown County, Gino Valadez of Brownwood, was sentenced to the maximum sentence for three separate cases to run concurrently.
Valadez was charged with Sexual Assault of a Child (Count I-Count III); Possession of Child Pornography (Count I-Count III); Possession of Child Pornography.
A trial was held before the Honorable Judge Sam Moss, and at the conclusion of the trial, Judge Moss found Valadez guilty of Sexual Assault of a Child and pronounced a sentence of 20 years’ confinement, the maximum allowed under the law for the offense; guilty on all counts of Possession of Child Pornography, and sentenced to 10 years; guilty on the Assault Family Violence Occlusion, and pronounced a sentence of 10 years. These will all run concurrently.
Assistant District Attorney LorAnn Garrett Newman presented evidence that in November of 2021, Valadez entered a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old and throughout that relationship abused and manipulated her to engage in violent sexual encounters to the point of choking her until she lost consciousness. Valadez filmed the sexual encounters and possessed videos and photographs on his phone.
The case was reported and investigated by Brownwood Police department. When Valadez was placed on bond, he committed a new offense of Assault Family Violence – Occlusion by repeatedly strangling his then girlfriend. Early Police Department was called out to the scene and investigated the case.
The case was tried by LorAnn Garrett Newman of the 35th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, who said in the press release, “It is rewarding to be a part of delivering justice and supporting two brave young ladies who sought it. This would not have been possible without the officers at Early Police Department and Brownwood Police Department. Their hard work and dedication made such a positive impact that contributed significantly to the outcome of this case. I am grateful to live and work in a community that prioritizes respect and accountability.”