An Oklahoma man was sentenced to a total of 160 years behind bars on Tuesday, after a jury found him guilty of sex abuse crimes against a child. Despite Antonio Cervantes Jr.’s claims of innocence, the 37-year-old was convicted of rape and molestation charges involving a 13-year-old family member that reportedly lasted for a period …
An Oklahoma man was sentenced to a total of 160 years behind bars on Tuesday, after a jury found him guilty of sex abuse crimes against a child. Despite Antonio Cervantes Jr.’s claims of innocence, the 37-year-old was convicted of rape and molestation charges involving a 13-year-old family member that reportedly lasted for a period of two years. If you have been charged with child sex abuse or another serious sex crime in Oklahoma, don’t hesitate to contact our criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center. Our lawyers have extensive experience litigating sex crimes cases across the state, and can help you protect your legal rights throughout your case. Too often, the rights of Oklahomans accused of sex crimes are taken advantage of, often by those who assume the defendant’s guilt even before a trial takes place. With the help of our skilled defense attorneys, you can build a strong defense in your case and ensure a just legal process.
Penalties for Sex Crime Convictions in Oklahoma
In November, an Oklahoma County jury found Cervantes guilty on 70 counts of sexual abuse against a child and recommended that he be sentenced to 40 years in jail for each count, which would have equaled a total of 2,800 years behind bars. Although the OK jury originally recommended a 40-year sentence for each of the 70 charges, the judge grouped a number of the charges together and sentenced the defendant to a total of 160 years in prison. Cervantes will be required to serve 85% of the sentence before he is eligible for parole. “We’re satisfied that he is going to be incarcerated long enough that he won’t harm anybody else,” remarked Scott Rowland, Oklahoma County’s First Assistant District Attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help
The child sex abuse conviction marks Cervantes’ fifth felony conviction, following prior convictions of robbery by force and fear, drug possession, bail jumping and possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. Being convicted of a felony offense in Oklahoma, particularly a sex crime involving a child, can severely impact the remainder of your life, subjecting you to years behind bars, a loss of your civil rights and a significant loss of your freedom. If you are facing charges for a sex crime like child sex abuse in Oklahoma, consult our reputable defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center as soon as possible. Our law firm is based in Oklahoma City, and our knowledgeable lawyers are familiar with Oklahoma laws and legal proceedings.