Annapolis, Maryland – Following a three-day trial, an Anne Arundel County jury on Tuesday found a Glen Burnie man guilty of sexually abusing a household member for several months when the victim was just 8 years old, State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess announced.
After one day of deliberation, the jury found Leonel Esquivel-Grijalva, 35, guilty of thirteen counts, including Second-Degree Rape, three counts of Sex Abuse of a Minor, and multiple counts of sexual assault.
Upon the verdict, Circuit Court Judge Alison Asti revoked Esquivel-Grijalva's bond and he was taken into custody. Sentencing is scheduled for May 15, 2024.
"The defendant intimidated a child in his household and subjected her to months of sexual assault and abuse, which did not stop until he moved out of the residence," Leitess said. "It took years for the victim, now a teenager, to gather the courage to come forward and report these crimes. I commend her for her bravery that brings justice for her and prevents this man from victimizing others."
On March 29, 2022, the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services received a report that a 15-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted and raped by a man, identified as Esquivel-Grijalva, when she was 8 years old. The incidents took place over several months while Esquivel-Grijalva and the child resided together in a Glen Burnie residence.
During a forensic interview, the victim reported she wanted to cry for help, but was afraid Esquivel-Grijalva would strike her with a belt as he had done in the past. She stated the sexual assaults continued until Esquivel-Grijalva moved out of the home in November 2017.
Assistant State's Attorney April Currey prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County, with the Honorable Alison Asti presiding.