Texan sentenced to 70 years in prison for sexual assault over 16 years | South Texas

WILSON COUNTY, Texas — A Wilson County jury sentenced Santiago Mata to 70 years in prison for two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child.

The jury also imposed the maximum sentence of 20 years on seven other counts, including three counts of sexual abuse of a child under 17, two counts of sexual abuse and two counts of prohibited sexual conduct with a descendant. The victim, who endured sexual abuse from the ages of 10 to 26, provided brave testimony that led to Mata’s conviction.

“The jury, prosecutors Marc Ledet and Lorena Whitney, Wilson County Sheriff’s investigators Jack Derby, Lt. Joseph Dubs, Inv. Daria Fowler and Deputy Joseph Martinez should all be commended as the first people to ever fight for our victim and show her that there is good in this world,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. “Her courage in coming forward and telling the truth about everything she has endured will stop Mata from harming other children or women.”

The Honorable Russell Wilson ordered that one of the sexual assault sentences be cumulative, meaning Mata, 61, must serve at least 40 years before she is eligible for parole. In her victim impact statement, the victim said the years Mata spent reflected all the tears she cried.