Man gets 7 life sentences for sexually abusing kids, locking them in dog kennels

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — An Amarillo man got seven life sentences for sexually abusing kids, locking them in dog kennels.

Melchor Magdaleno-Garcia was convicted of:

• two counts of sexual assault of a child
• three counts of sexual assault
• seven counts of sexual assault of a child-prohibited sexual conduct
• 13 counts of sexual assault-prohibited sexual conduct

It started with physical abuse in 2012 when the victims were 7, 10 and 12 years old.

According to the Randall County District Attorney's Office, Magdaleno-Garcia deprived them of food and water, hit, and punched the kids, and swatted them with belts, paddles, wires, hangers, and other objects.

He also locked them in dog kennels either clothed or naked.

The DA said Magdaleno-Garcia would control their lives by not allowing them to attend school, have jobs, friends, or any of their own money.

During the trial, Magdaleno-Garcia admitted to having sex with two of the three victims. But he claimed that he felt he was married to all three of the victims and therefore entitled to have a sexual relationship with them.

The jury assessed the maximum punishment allowed by law on all 25 counts: 20 years on five counts and life in prison on the remaining 20 counts.

In Texas, most punishments run concurrently, however, sexual assault of a child charges can run consecutively if the judge determines it is appropriate.

In this case, prosecutors asked that all seven of the charges run consecutively and the judge agreed.

This means Magdaleno-Garcia will serve two, 20-year sentences and seven life sentences one after another.

This case involved massive cooperation between Randall County Sheriff's Office, The Bridge - Children's Advocacy Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who assisted in the investigation.

"After 10 years of torture and three more years waiting for trial, the victims finally have justice," said District Attorney Robert Love.