STAFF REPORT

A Hays County jury this week sentenced San Marcos resident Roger Reyes, 40, to life in prison without the possibility of parole after convicting him under a new state statute aimed at offenders who repeatedly abuse a victim.

Roger Reyes

Confronting her attacker for the first time, that victim appeared as a witness in the Hays County case describing how he tied her up “like an animal” after dragging her into his apartment.

“This was a difficult case that dealt one of the most heinous acts a criminal defendant can commit. We commend their service and dedication in seeing that justice was served for Roger Reyes’ victims and the citizens of Hays County,” District Attorney Sherri Tibbe said.

On the stand, Reyes denied that he sexually abused his stepdaughter. During the sentencing phase of the trial, defense attorneys, Charlie Roach and Chevo Pastrano, asked the jury for mercy.

Reyes’ trial for continuous sexual abuse of a young child was the county’s first prosecution under a law adopted by the Legislature in 2009. Assistant District Attorney Cathy Compton, who prosecuted the with Chris Johnson, praised the law as effective tool when young victims have been abused over a period of several weeks and cannot recall the exact date of specific incidents.

Reyes, who worked as the program director for a Christian radio station when he was arrested, was also convicted of sexual performance of a child, a felony for which he received 50 years in prison. The sentences will run concurrently.

District Judge Jack Robison presided over the trial.