Salinas man sentenced to 35 years for attacking 11-year-old girl

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Paccioni said a man will spend 35 years in prison for molesting an 11-year-old girl.

Alvaro Botello, 29, from Salinas, was found guilty on four counts of violent indecency against a child under 14. According to Paccioni, he will have to register as a sex offender for life.

On October 30, 2021, Botello approached an 11-year-old girl while waiting for food from a taco truck. He then convinced her to get into his car, promising to buy her treats at a nearby store, according to Paccioni.

He then took her to a parking lot and raped her, according to Paccioni. Botello then dropped the victim off at her home an hour later while officers were collecting a report of her disappearance from her mother.

Paccioni said her mother played a vital role in securing critical evidence.