Sex Abuse Sentence

GRAFTON, N.D. (AP) - A Grafton man accused of sexually abusing a

girl for nearly a year has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Twenty-nine-year-old Ciro Gomez was convicted last October of

continual sexual abuse of a child and could have faced life in

prison without parole.

Walsh County State's Attorney Barbara Whelan says that still is

a possibility if Gomez violates probation following his prison

term.

Gomez was accused of having sexual contact with the girl

numerous times per week from May 2008 to January 2009. The girl was

13 and 14 at the time. Gomez has maintained he is innocent.

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