A man was handed down an 80-year sentence for child sexual abuse yesterday, following a verdict delivered in Bexar County. Ray Rodriguez-Ortiz, convicted on five counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, will face a long stint behind bars, with sentences from count one and four to be served consecutively, as reported by KSAT.

The abuse, which spanned across two years, started in February 2019 and went undetected until February 2021, when the young victim broke silence to her mother. The subsequent investigation by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office unearthed the painful truth behind the accusations. "We are committed to fighting against child abuse and supporting victims to ensure justice prevails and our community remains safe," Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales was quoted as saying by KENS 5.

In addition with the prison sentence, Rodriguez-Ortiz is mandated to register as a sex offender with the Texas Department of Public Safety. The decision brings to light the severity with which the Texas justice system treats crimes of this nature, and acts as a somber reminder of the long-lasting effects such horrendous acts have on the victims and their families.

The action taken against Rodriguez-Ortiz resonates with the wider commitment of the district attorney's office to combat child abuse. With this substantial sentencing, the message to society is clear – that predators will face the full force of the law, and that systems are in place to bring such individuals to justice and to support those who have suffered at their hands. "According to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, Rodriguez-Ortiz abused a child on multiple occasions for two years," as KSAT reported.