Michael Ybarra guilty in Las Cruces child sex abuse case, jury finds
Michael Ybarra, 40, was convicted by a Doña Ana County jury on multiple child sexual abuse charges after being accused of assaulting a young relative. Sentencing is scheduled for later this year.
Jury convicts Las Cruces man on multiple felony charges; sentencing set for May 30
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - A jury on Wednesday found Michael Ybarra guilty of three counts of second-degree criminal sexual penetration and three counts of third-degree criminal sexual contact, following a trial in Doña Ana County.
Deputy District Attorneys Tomas Medina and Anne Swank prosecuted the case. Ybarra was taken into custody following the verdict and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 30.
“Child sex abuse cases are particularly difficult to prosecute because they thrive in secrecy and shame,” Swank said. “The victim showed tremendous courage by facing her abuser in court, which ultimately led to his conviction today. Thanks to her bravery, other children in the community are now protected from harm. My sincere hope is that she finds peace and continues to heal.”
“We are deeply grateful to our office staff and to the investigative partners who worked on this case,” Medina said. “Most of all, we are thankful for the victim’s courage and her willingness to face her abuser to bring him to justice.”
Doña Ana District Attorney Fernando Macias said the case underscores the importance of pursuing justice in cases involving vulnerable victims.
“This case was deeply disturbing, and today’s verdict sends a clear message that justice will be served — especially in cases involving the abuse of vulnerable victims,” Macias said. “The Defendant is scheduled for sentencing on May 30th, and the office will be seeking a lengthy sentence.”