Madras man gets 14-year sentence for abusing two girls

A 24-year-old Madras man entered a conditional guilty plea Tuesday and was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for the abuse of two girls, which came to light when they told a school counselor, Jefferson County District Attorney Steve Leriche reported.

Alfredo Velasquez, 24 entered the Alford pleas (not admitting guilt but acknowledging a likelihood of conviction to first-degree felony charges of unlawful sexual penetration and sexual abuse involving contact with two girls under the age of 12, Leriche said. The incidents occurred between Sept. 1, 2013 and Feb. 29 of this year,

Velasquez was sentenced to serve 175 months in prison with no possibility of early release, under the terms of Measure 11. His sentence also included 20 years of post-prison supervision and registration as a sex offender.

“The case developed after two minor victims disclosed to a trusted school counselor that Velasquez had touched them inappropriately,” Leriche said in a news release.

The school counselor immediately reported the children’s disclosures of sex abuse to law enforcement and the case was investigated by Madras Police Sgt. Mel Brown.

Velasquez was arrested on March 17, shortly after the disclosure of the victims, but he invoked his right to remain silent and did not make a statement to the police, the DA said.

The KIDS (Kids Intervention and Diagnostic Services) Center provided invaluable support with interviews and medical evaluations on the case, Leriche said.

“As is common in cases involving child sexual abuse, no identifiable physical evidence was located during the physical examinations at the KIDS Center,” the DA said. “But as a result of the thoroughness of the forensic interviews and the strength of the children’s statements, the state was able to achieve a successful outcome in the case.”

The state was represented by Senior Deputy District Attorney Wade Whiting. Velasquez was represented by Sean Trimble. Judge Rick Knapp presided over the case.

Leriche added, “The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Madras Police Department, Jefferson County School District 509-J, and the KIDS Center for their support in this case. The dedication of our community partners to protect the children of Jefferson County is exceptional. ”