Husband Sentenced In NM Sex Abuse Case

LAS CRUCES, NM. – The husband of convicted sex offender Dona McKnight is sentenced for his part in her molesting a teenage boy.

On Monday, Ronald McKnight got the maximum 6 years penalty for his part in the boy’s molestation. Mcknight was convicted on 2 counts of Contributing to the boy’s Delingquency, which he blamed today on being a victim of child abuse himself.

Mr. McKnightwas also sentenced for trying to bribe the boy to keep quiet. McKnight also explained he behaved as he did, following the crime.

Mr. McKnight told the court, “Your honor, I placed a phone call to save mine and my wife’s future. I made that call, your honor, to his mother based on the way i was brought up. I was brought up to solve your own problems, as it says in the bible your honor, before you go to court.”

The victim’s mother told the court, “I can’t put it to words what this man and his wife did to my son and my family. I ask that we impose the maximum sentence allowed by law. I believe this gentlemen is sorry only because he got caught.”

McKnight, his son and his father allasked District Judge Stephen Bridgforth for mercy during Monday’s sentencing, however the judge gave Mr. McKnight the full six years in prison.

In February, Judge Bridgeforthsentenced former El Paso school teacher Dona McKnight to just four years for actually molesting the victim. However, unlike Ms. McKnight, he has been charged with a sex crime before, though he plead to a lesser charge.

Also, during a psychological test,Mr. McKnightadmitted that he arranged for his wife to molest the boy for his own sexual pleasure.

The judge also recommended today thatMr.McKnight continue psychological therapy while in prison, however it’s up to Mr. McKnight whether or not he will.