A jury has found Oscar Oropeza guilty of criminal sexual penetration in the first degree after a two-day trial led by Chief Deputy Mick Gutierrez and Senior Trial Attorney Rebecca Duffin.
The victim, under the age of 12 at the time of the incident, tearfully testified about the ordeal before Judge Marci Beyer and a jury. She stated that Mr. Oropeza was friends with her parents and had been at their home on February 3rd, 2012. After an evening of drinking and playing cards the victim’s parents believed that Mr. Oropeza was unable to drive home. Early the next morning the victim told her parents that “Oscar” had touched her and described what had occurred.
Following the conviction by a jury comprised of twelve people, Mr. Oropeza was immediately remanded into custody.
Senior Trial Attorney Rebecca Duffin stated, “The State is pleased with the jury's decision in this case. The defendant betrayed the trust of friends by violating their daughter in her own bed. The conviction cannot undo the harm that the defendant caused but we are satisfied that justice was done. We hope that the decision brings some measure of peace to the victim and her family. “
This conviction carries a mandatory 18 years imprisonment and a sentencing date has not been set since Mr. Oropeza is facing charges of robbery and assault with intent to commit a violent felony in a separate case.