A man from the Stafford area has been sentenced to a long prison term for committing heinous crimes that resulted in the pregnancy of a 13-year-old girl.
William Rigoberto Gonzalez Cardona, 45, pled guilty to aggravated sexual abuse of a child and received a 40-year jail term on February 18. The term is part of a plea deal with prosecutors following charges of abusing and impregnating his young victim in 2020.
An investigation by the Houston Police Department and the Stafford Police Department revealed that Gonzalez Cardona sexually molested his female victim at a Stafford home in August 2020. The victim, who was 13 years old at the time, became pregnant and had a healthy baby.
After the child was born, Gonzalez Cardona willingly agreed to undergo a paternity test, which conclusively confirmed that he was indeed the father.
“The defendant took advantage and exploited a young, vulnerable child for his own desires,” lead prosecutor Elizabeth Howard stated in a press release announcing Gonzalez Cardona’s sentence. “Investigators recognized that vulnerability and gave courage to a young girl and her mother to bring her abuser to justice. With that partnership, the truth was finally revealed, and a dangerous predator was caught.”
Aggravated sexual assault of a child in Texas is considered a first-degree felony. The punishment for this crime can range from five to 99 years or even life in prison, along with a fine of up to $10,000. In the case of Gonzalez Cardona, he will have to serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
District Attorney Brian Middleton emphasized the importance of setting an example with the sentence, highlighting the gravity of the crime and the severe consequences that accompany such disturbing behavior.
“If you are a predator, intent on preying on the most vulnerable in our community—you have been warned,” Middleton said. “We will come for you, and we will be relentless when we catch you.”
