LANCASTER, PA — A Lancaster city man guilty of raping a child less than 13 in his care was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in state prison in Lancaster County Court last Thursday.
Geovanny Guzman-Cruz, 28 of the 100 block of Laurel Street, was sentenced following a three-day trial in March when he was convicted by a jury of rape of a child, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors, indecent assault of a person less than 13, and endangering the welfare of children.
Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick prosecuted the case and stressed at sentencing how the mandatory minimum sentence for rape of a child is 10 to 20 years in prison before recounting some of the testimony presented at trial – namely that the victim viewed Guzman-Cruz as a father figure and trusted him – and the violent nature of the offense.
“That does not justify the minimum sentence,” Haverstick said before asking for a sentence in the range of 14 to 30 years. “[Guzman-Cruz] had an opportunity to take responsibility after horribly abusing the victim and he didn’t. Now it’s time for him to pay for what he did to her.”
Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker then ordered a sentence. Guzman-Cruz must register as a lifetime sex offender and follow all requirements laid forth by Megan’s Law.
On Feb. 14, 2021, the Lancaster City Bureau of Police received a report from a 12-year-old and her mother regarding a sexual assault that occurred in the 300 block of S. Queen St.
On Feb. 22, 2021, the victim was interviewed at the Lancaster County Children’s Alliance and detailed the abuse. Guzman-Cruz was 26 at the time of the assault and was in a caretaking role at the time while the victim’s mother was at work.
Lancaster City Bureau of Police Detective Jessica Higgins filed charges.
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