Mesa man gets 2 life sentences for sex crimes against 8-year-old girl

PHOENIX – A Mesa man will probably spend the rest of his life behind bars after his conviction on multiple sex crimes against an 8-year-old girl, authorities announced Friday.

David Leonardo Cruz, 44, was sentenced last week to two terms of life in prison after being found guilty on two counts of sexual conduct with a minor in May, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

He also received two 15-year sentences for convictions on two counts of child molestation. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively, so there is little chance he will ever be released.

8-year-old victim testified during sex crimes trial

The victim, who was in second grade when Cruz started sexually abusing her, testified during the trial.

“It takes unimaginable courage for a child to testify in court about such trauma,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a press release. “Her strength not only helped bring a dangerous predator to justice but also sends a powerful message that victims will be heard and protected.”

The girl and her grandmother were living with Cruz when the sex crimes occurred. In September 2023, she told her grandmother that Cruz had been touching her inappropriately for months.

Cruz admitted to several sexual acts when interviewed by the Mesa Police Department and tried blaming the victim, prosecutors said.

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