Sentencing of Sparks Man to Life terms
District Attorney Announces Sentencing of Sparks Man to Life Terms for Sexual Offenses Committed Against a Child
Media Release
For Immediate Release
www.washoecounty.us/da
Contact: Michelle Bays
mbays@da.washoecounty.us
775.321.4304 (o); 775.771.6049 (c)
October 29, 2015
Reno, Nevada
Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks announced today the sentencing of a Sparks man to life in prison on charges of sexual assault and lewdness against a child. The sentence ensures the defendant will not be eligible for parole until he has served a minimum of 45 years in prison.
Jose Antonio Guardado, 47 (DOB 12/01/67), from Sparks was sentenced yesterday afternoon in Washoe County District Court by Judge Lynne Simons to two life terms in prison. Guardado previously pled guilty to one count of Sexual Assault on a Child and one count of Lewdness with a Child under Fourteen Years of Age on September 2, 2015. Each charge carries a life sentence.
The case against Guardado began in August, 2014 when the defendant walked into the Sparks Police Department and admitted to having sexually victimized a minor relative. The defendant’s crimes were discovered when the victim disclosed the abuse to family members who then told the defendant that if he did not go confess to the authorities they would report him. Upon his confession, detectives with the Sparks Police Department, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and a prosecutor with the Washoe County Child Advocacy Center began an investigation that developed additional evidence proving Guardado had in fact molested a child starting at the age of 8 over a period of 4 years.
During the sentencing, the defendant apologized for his actions and asked for forgiveness from his family prior to receiving consecutive life sentences for the two charges. Based on the sentence he received, Guardado will not be eligible for parole until he has served a minimum of 45 years in prison.
Prosecutor Nicole Hicks, in arguing for the consecutive sentences stated that “family forgiveness is different than punishment, and it is incumbent upon the Court to ensure that crimes like these against our most innocent victims receive swift and severe justice”.