Sex Abuse Defendant Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor Charge

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A sex abuse defendant pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge as part of an agreement he made with the prosecution.

Josue Salmeron was initially charged with first-degree child sex abuse on Sept. 3, 2021. The previous month, he allegedly spoke to detectives about touching the victim’s breasts over her clothes, according to court documents. 

Salmeron was 19-years-old at the time. The victim, who is related to him, was 11-years-old.

Due to his conviction, the defendant will have to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years. In return, the prosecution will not recommend a sentencing enhancement based on the significant relationship between Salmeron and the victim.

The prosecutor will also dismiss Salmeron’s misdemeanor domestic violence case, in which he was charged with threats to do bodily harm. However, she requested that the stay away order in that case be upheld.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt presided over the Jan. 25 hearing. At the defense’s request, she ordered a pre-sentence investigation into the defendant’s life that would aid in sentencing. The maximum penalty for Salmeron’s conviction is 180 days of incarceration.

Judge Brandt scheduled an in-person sentencing for March 29. Family members of the victim are anticipated to give victim impact testimony at that time.