Nobles County jury returns guilty verdict in child sexual abuse case

Nobles County jury returns guilty verdict in child sexual abuse case  The Globe

Nobles County jury returns guilty verdict in child sexual abuse case

Guilty Verdict in First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct Case

A Nobles County jury on Monday found Azael Lopez Marroquin guilty of one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct. The charges relate to an incident reported to the Worthington Police Department on June 16, 2023, in which a 12-year old child was brought to a local clinic.

During the clinic visit, the child disclosed being sexually abused by Lopez Marroquin.

Justice Served

The case was tried by Mitchell Sell of the Eckberg Lammers firm as a Special Assistant Nobles County Attorney. The jury deliberated for approximately an hour and 20 minutes before returning a verdict of guilty on Monday. Sentencing is set for April 23.

Maximum Sentence and Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines

Lopez Marroquin faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison with the guilty verdict, but his ultimate sentence will be in accordance with Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines, according to a press release issued by Nobles County Attorney Braden Hoefert.

Recognition and Gratitude

The Nobles County Attorney’s Office offered its thanks to the following organizations for their service, care, and attention provided to the victim:

  • Avera Access Family Medical Clinic
  • Sanford Medical Center
  • Southwest Crisis Center
  • Worthington Child Advocacy Center
  • Officers of the Worthington Police Department

The members of the jury were also thanked for their time and attention provided to this case.

Addressing Childhood Sexual Abuse

Nobles County continues to experience one of the highest rates of childhood sexual abuse in Minnesota. It is imperative that all citizens remain vigilant for signs that a child is being sexually abused, and that when a child discloses abuse, they be supported, protected, and believed.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 5: Gender Equality Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres Indicator not mentioned in the article
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children Indicator not mentioned in the article
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all Indicator not mentioned in the article
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.9: By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration Indicator not mentioned in the article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article relate to gender-based violence and the need for justice and strong institutions to address and prevent such crimes.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
  • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children
  • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
  • Target 16.9: By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration

The article highlights the sexual abuse of a child, which falls under the targets related to ending violence against children and promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: dglobe.com

 

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