Man gets 15 years in prison for child sex offense

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- A 41-year-old man received a 15-year prison sentence for second-degree criminal sexual contact of a child, Las Cruces District Attorney Fernando Macias announced Friday.

Alfredo A. Salazar-Rios from Anthony, New Mexico, pleaded no contest to the charge on July 21. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender, according to the Third Judicial District Attorney's Office.

Macias' office requested the 15-year sentence, which is the highest recommendation permitted under the plea agreement.

“We asked for a 15-year sentence because of the seriousness of this crime and the harm it caused. Today’s sentence delivers that accountability. While no sentence can undo the harm, we believe this outcome serves the cause of justice,” said Attorney Spencer Willson.

“Every child deserves a safe place to grow up and a community that looks out for them,” District Attorney Macias said.

Jail records said Salazar Rios booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center without bond on Friday.