LANCASTER, PA — A Lancaster City man found guilty by a jury of rape of a child and 15 additional charges was sentenced Thursday to 24 to 52 years in state prison Wednesday by Lancaster County Judge Merrill Spahn.
Geraldo Maldonado, 40 of the 500 block of E. King St., was convicted of the following charges after a four-day trial in May: one count of rape of a child, two counts of aggravated indecent assault, three counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor, one count of incest, three counts of corruption of minors, three counts of endangering the welfare of children, and three counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Ponessa prosecuted the case and presented testimony from a licensed psychologist during the sentencing hearing who deemed Maldonado met the criteria of a sexually violent predator (SVP).
Judge Spahn accepted the determination and explained the defendant must register as such with the Pennsylvania State Police for the rest of his life.
“We’re talking about at least six years of sexual abuse to young children,” Ponessa said to Judge Spahn before he accepted the SVP determination. The victims were between the ages of 4 and 7 when the abuse occurred.
One of the victims spoke during the proceeding and Judge Spahn noted the strength of the victims’ strength both during this proceeding and while testifying during trial. “He was supposed to have a relationship with [the victims] and he abused and took advantage of them,” Ponessa said. “They’re ready to heal. Justice has been served. The defendant takes no responsibility at all.”
Judge Spahn agreed the defendant showed no remorse and noted a letter Maldonado wrote him prior to sentencing that “his own blood turned on him and the justice system failed him.”
“You are the one that failed and turned on your family,” Spahn said before ordering the sentence.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.