Clovis, NM – Ninth Judicial District Attorney, Quentin Ray, announced that on January 2, 2024, George Gutierrez, age 39, of Clovis, was sentenced to 21 years in the Department of Corrections, followed by 5-20 years sex offender probation and 5 to natural life sex offender parole for Criminal Sexual Penetration (child under 13) and Criminal Sexual Penetration (child 13-18) (Force or Coercion).
On June 25, 2023, Officers with Clovis Police Department responded to a home in Clovis regarding a sexual assault. After a thorough investigation by the Clovis Police Department, Gutierrez was arrested for the extreme allegations of sexual touching and penetration after grooming the child for many years.
The Honorable Judge Drew D. Tatum presided over the hearing. These charges are serious violent offenses where Gutierrez will serve 85 % of his 21-year prison sentence in the Department of Corrections.
The victim spoke at the hearing today stating, “I have carried a heavy burden, a secret that destroyed me for many years and it’s time to break my silence and be heard. I have found strength to forgive you, George, and I am determined to heal”.
Judge Tatum also commented, “Gutierrez, crimes against children are cowardly acts. I can’t imagine what would cause you to do that. You have attempted to steal the innocence from this child, but what you have not done is steal her ambitions.”
The case was prosecuted by Leah Hutchins, Senior Trial Prosecutor and Gutierrez was represented by criminal Defense Attorney, Raymond Conley of Las Cruces.
For more information, please contact the Office of the District Attorney, at 575-769-2246.
