Booking photo for Carlos Pimentel (Courtesy: Cache County Jail).
LOGAN — A 32-year-old Nibley man has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl more than two years ago. Carlos Pimentel showed little emotion as Judge Angela Fonnesbeck ordered him to serve at least 10-years-to-life behind bars.
Pimentel was sentenced in 1st District Court Monday afternoon. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony.
Defense attorney Jeanne Campbell called Pimentel’s case tragic and egregious. She said her client felt bad about what happened. She asked for less prison time and explained that he had a history of drug use that might have clouded his judgment.
Cache County deputy attorney Jacob Gordon disagreed and said Pimentel’s actions couldn’t be blamed on drug use. He said, “drugs and methamphetamine were not what was driving this.” He called the defendant’s actions reprehensible and stated, “it was (Pimentel’s) decision to use drugs and sexually abuse the victim.”
Pimentel was arrested in January 2018 and later released after posting bail. The case had been delayed after he hired a new attorney last year.
During Monday’s sentencing, the victim’s mother said the case had been a draining process for her and her daughter. She asked the court for the harshest penalty, and explained that it would take more than a few years for them to recover.
Pimentel spoke only briefly. He told the court he was sorry for what he had done.
Judge Fonnesbeck told Pimentel that through his actions, he had taken things that could not be given back to the victim. She said his crime had ripple effects through the community.
will@cvradio.com