DEMING – Sixth Judicial District Attorney Michael R. Renteria has announced the conviction of Fidel Miramontes on the charge of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor under the age of 13. The Luna County jury reached this decision on April 30, 2024, after a case presented by the prosecution.
According to court documents, Miramontes was accused of inappropriately touching a 10-year-old girl while she was visiting his home off Voorhies Road, south of Deming, in 2019. The child disclosed the abuse to Bataan Elementary School personnel approximately two years later.
Deputy District Attorneys Edna Reyes and Arthur Van Haselen III prosecuted the case. Renteria highlighted the victim’s testimony as crucial evidence, stating, “My prosecutors strongly believed in the victim, and the jury believed her too.”
The trial concluded swiftly, with the jury returning a guilty verdict in less than 15 minutes. Renteria praised his office’s dedication to addressing child abuse, citing this case as a testament to their efforts.
The sentencing hearing will be scheduled before District Court Judge Jarod K. Hofacket, who presided over the trial.
Miramontes faces a second-degree felony conviction, carrying a minimum three-year prison sentence, a maximum of 15 years, followed by two years of parole, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.