Alfredo Salazar-Rios sentenced to 15 years in prison for child sex offense

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — District Attorney Fernando Macias announced Friday that Alfredo A. Salazar-Rios, 41, was sentenced to 15 years in prison following his conviction for second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13.

District Judge Conrad F. Perea imposed the sentence in the Third Judicial District Court. Salazar-Rios pleaded no contest to the charge July 21. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender.

The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office requested the 15-year sentence, the highest recommendation permitted under the plea agreement. The victim and members of the victim’s family addressed the court before sentencing.

“Seeking justice means holding offenders accountable and ensuring that victims are heard and treated with dignity. Our state constitution requires no less,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Spencer Willson said. “We asked for a 15-year sentence because of the seriousness of this crime and the harm it caused. Today’s sentence delivers that accountability. While no sentence can undo the harm, we believe this outcome serves the cause of justice.”

The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Willson represented the State in the prosecution.

“Every child deserves a safe place to grow up and a community that looks out for them,” District Attorney Fernando Macias said. “When anyone comes forward to report abuse, we owe them our attention, our care, and our commitment to justice. That is the responsibility my office carries every day. I’m grateful to the Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Willson, and our victim advocates for the hard work and unshakeable devotion they brought to this case.”