In District Court Monday, Judge Fernando Macias sentenced former LCPD Detective Michael Garcia to 30 years imprisonment, 10 of which were suspended, for 3 counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the second degree and 2 counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the second degree (person in position of authority).
Garcia was initially arrested on August 23, 2013 for sexually assaulting a minor then a second time on September 4, 2013 with 10 additional charges related to sexually assaulting another young girl.
Yesterday the victim, a family member, read a statement to the court many times addressing Garcia directly citing occasions of the abuse he inflicted upon her even finding the opportunity on family vacations. She accused Garcia of wearing a mask for the community to hide who he really was “a monster” to her.
District Attorney Mark D’Antonio stated, “Throughout the ordeal the victim has been the bravest, most articulate young lady I have ever met, her courage was infectious to us all. This sentence has been a long time coming and we are very happy with it.”
Garcia has already received a 9 year federal sentence for admitting to raping a teenage girl who was an Excel Intern with the department in the summer of 2013. The two sentences will run concurrent to each other meaning Garcia will serve the 9 year federal sentence in Massachusetts then be transferred back to New Mexico to serve the remaining 11 year sentence from District Court.
Information from: Third Judicial District Attorney's Office