Stepfather Convicted of Molesting Eleven-Year-Old
Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Child Abuse Unit obtained convictions against a stepfather who molested his stepdaughter and sent her text messages soliciting sexual activity. Cristobal Jose Vasquez, 39, was convicted of Solicitation of a Minor and Aggravated Sexual Battery. Judge Steve Sword revoked Vasquez’s bond, ordered him into custody, and set the case for sentencing on August 11.
In a three-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Ashley McDermott and Heather Good explained to the jury that Vasquez was the victim’s stepfather. When the victim was eleven years old, Vasquez molested the victim. Two years later, Vasquez also solicited sexual activity from the minor victim by sending inappropriate text messages. After the text messages, the victim disclosed the abuse to a school counselor who notified law enforcement. Knox County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jeff Bryant interviewed Vasquez and the victim’s mother. The victim was interviewed by a forensic interviewer at ChildHelp Tennessee. Vasquez admitted sending the text messages to the victim. At trial, the victim’s mother testified in support of Vasquez and stated that she directed him to send the text messages to “test” the victim. This testimony contradicted her previous statement to investigators, and the jury discredited the testimony, finding Vasquez guilty.
“We have a special responsibility as prosecutors to protect the most vulnerable members of society,” said DA Charme Allen. “Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved in this case, the child is now safe from this perpetrator.”
Aggravated Sexual Battery is a Class B felony that carries a punishment of eight to twelve years in prison without the possibility of parole. Solicitation of a Minor is a Class D felony, carrying a punishment from two to four years. Prosecutors will also notify officials with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of Vasquez’s convictions as he has already been deported from the United States once before. Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Erin Morrison aided in the prosecution of this case.
If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.