BEAUMONT, Texas — A Port Arthur man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to indecency with a child.
Miguel Lauriano Galves, 41, of Port Arthur, was first indicted for indecency with a child in April.
Galves appeared before Judge John Stevens Wednesday and pleaded guilty as part of an agreement that would cap his potential punishment at a maximum of 10 years. Probation was also an option.
A probable cause affidavit obtained by 12News says the victim was 9 years old at the time she made an outcry against Galves.
In court, Galves spoke through an interpreter.
"I will do my upmost to become a better person. I am profoundly sorry," he told Judge Stevens.
Judge Stevens responded by telling him, "you have to do more than try hard to be the best person you can be, you have to follow the law."
Judge Stevens said in court that Galves previously faced criminal charges and was deported on two separate occasions.
The judge said Galves reentered the US improperly and then committed this crime.
The prosecutor asked Judge Stevens to give Galves the full 10 years possible. He noted that the victim told investigators that she overheard him bragging about the attack over the phone.
In a pre-sentencing report, Judge Stevens said statements made by the victim were "very disturbing."
"No 9-year-old child should have their first sexual experience unwanted, by you, and adult. Shame on you," the judge said.
Galves was sentenced to 10 years in prison and is ordered to register as a sex offender.
After sentencing Judge Stevens told Galves, “this is the type of behavior that makes it hard on immigrants who want to come to America, because unfortunately, criminal acts such as indecency with children punish people who are trying to legally immigrate to the United States."
Stevens said not only did Galves hurt the victim, but their family, himself and other immigrants "who want to lawfully come to America to search and try to reach for their dreams."
"We welcome immigrants, but don’t come to the United States and take advantage of our welcome and commit crimes, especially sexual crimes against children. Shame on you," said Judge Stevens.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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