The Public Ministry, through the Women’s Prosecutor’s Office in Baja Verapaz, secured a non-commutable sentence of 16 years and 8 months in prison against Elías A., a Honduran national, for two counts of aggravated sexual assault.

According to the investigation, the crimes occurred on September 15 and December 7, 2023, in a house located in the village of Santa Bárbara, municipality of San Jerónimo, against an 11-year-old girl.

During the hearing, it was ordered as just reparation that the minor be recognized as a victim of sexual assault and her mother as a collateral victim, as well as economic compensation for material and immaterial damages.

Victim support measures include increasing security measures in favor of the victim; both mother and daughter are to receive psychological therapy for as long as necessary. As a measure to prevent recurrence, the convicted must receive psychological therapy from staff at the San Jerónimo Health Center in Baja Verapaz.

Additionally, a request was made to the Secretariat against Sexual Violence, Exploitation, and Human Trafficking so that, in coordination with community development councils, it provides prevention talks about sexual crimes in the village of Santa Bárbara.

Furthermore, the convicted individual must be included in the National Registry of Sexual Offenders.

July 8, 2025