A man who physically and mentally abused his teenage daughter will never live as a free man again. Rene Lopez, 41, began raping his daughter when she was 16-years-old after she was initially abused by a family friend. According to the Fresno Bee, the sexual abuse occurred three times per week for four years straight.
The victim was eventually impregnated by her father and he forced her to get an abortion. When the girl decided to leave her father, he began to stalk her at her home and left love songs on her voice message. The victim, who is now 23, told the judge she feared her father and felt defenseless against his advances.
Lopez was arrested and offered a plea deal for 22 years in prison if he admitted to his guilt. During the trial, prosecutors recommended that Lopez receive 13 years in prison, but he rejected the offer. But in September, Lopez was found guilty on 186 felony counts of sexual assault and rape of a minor.
Lopez tormented his daughter when he should have been the person to protect her and give guidance. His abuse serves as another example of why it’s important for school administrators, counselors and teachers to delve into the lives of the students who attend their schools. If the victim was able to share her story with someone she trusted, Lopez’s abuse could have stopped years before she got the courage to stand up and walk away.
Weeks before Lopez was sentenced, another sick father in Montana was found guilty of sexual assault against his 12-year-old daughter. However, he only recieved 60 days in jail. Several petitons have called for the impeachment of Judge Robert McKeon who handed down the pathetic sentence.
In response to the crime, Lopez was handed the longest sentence in Fresno. Judge Edward Sarkisian Jr. sentenced Lopez to 1,503 years in prison.
