SAN MARCOS, Texas — A Kyle man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after a jury convicted him of multiple counts of sexual abuse of a child.
Manuel Balderas, 49, was sentenced by a jury on Sept. 24. After the jury assessed the punishment, the judge stacked three of the counts to total 40 years.
The sentencing came one day after the jury found Balderas guilty of multiple counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child younger than 14, sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child and sexual assault.
According to the Hays County District Attorney's Office, evidence showed Balderas had sexually abused three victims from middle school until they were adults. The evidence showed Balderas would even sexually abuse the victims while they sat on his lap with blankets disguising what he was doing from others who were present. In addition, the evidence showed that both physical and sexual abuse were used by Balderas as a form of punishment for the victims.
The DA's office said Balderas was released on bond before the trial, but following his conviction, his bond was revoked and he was taken into custody for his sentencing hearing. The victims testified again during the sentencing hearing about how they were affected by the ongoing abuse.
Assistant Criminal District Attorney Katie Arnold thanked the victims and their family members for their bravery and strength facing Balderas in court.