Waldo Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Repeat Rape
Thursday morning, Judge Denise Ferrero sentenced Mario Alvaro Fernandez, 40, to 30 years in prison for multiple counts of sexual battery (rape).
In July, Ferrero found Fernandez guilty of four counts of sexual battery at a bench trial that he requested. The sentencing hearing was set for August but it was rescheduled after Fernandez accused his attorney of not representing him properly by submitting a motion for a Nelson Inquiry. The motion carried no legal merit and was denied.
Fernandez appeared for his sentencing hearing facing life in prison.
The victim said the lowest permissible sentence (29.975 years) would not be appropriate because Fernandez has shown no remorse but she also didn’t push for the maximum. She said that Fernandez still gives her nightmares and that seeing individuals who resemble him causes her immense fear. She said she doesn’t need a life-sentence even though that’s what Fernandez gave her.
Assistant State Attorney Nicole Reed asked for roughly 60 years in prison.
Fernandez and Assistant Public Defender Luis Rodriguez both made statements attempting to discredit the victim.
Rodriguez asked for five years in prison and probation, a significant departure from the sentencing guidelines. Rodriguez did not submit a motion for downward departure.
Ferrero's sentence went against the victim's request.
More information on the case and Fernandez’s previous bond motion can be found in the article linked below.
Jack Walden
