Christopher T. Gardner, 33, was sentenced yesterday to 325 years to life in prison after a San Diego jury found he repeatedly sexually abused two young relatives, prosecutors said. According to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the victims were about 6 years old when the abuse began and the attacks continued for roughly five years. Gardner was convicted in May and received the sentence in San Diego County Superior Court yesterday.
In a post by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office on X, prosecutors said Gardner was convicted on 15 felony counts following a nine-day trial. The office described the abuse as repeated and prolonged, said the victims were family members, and noted that Deputy District Attorney Miriam Shoval handled the prosecution. The post states that yesterday's sentence totals 325 years to life.
Pedófilo Condenado a 325 Años en Prisión a Cadena Perpetua por Abusar Sexualmente Repetidamente de Dos Niñas: https://t.co/eL2Q5uV2mY pic.twitter.com/TQAVjVJmIc
— SD District Attorney (@SDDistAtty) July 8, 2026
Prosecutors' statement and victims
District Attorney Summer Stephan, quoted in the office’s post, praised the verdict and sentence. In the same statement, the office thanked the prosecution team and the victims for coming forward, and listed communications staffer Barbara Medina as the Spanish-language contact for the release.
Trial and prosecution details
The DA’s summary notes the case was tried over nine days before jurors returned guilty verdicts in May and that the victims were relatives of the defendant. The San Diego County District Attorney's Office handles felony prosecutions across the county and explains on its website the office's role in prosecuting crimes against children and supporting victims.
Officials have not announced whether Gardner will seek an appeal. For information about victim resources and reporting, the DA’s office maintains guidance and contact information on its website.
