Jury Convicts Man of Child Rape and Aggravated Sexual Battery

Shelby County, TN – On Thursday, a Shelby County jury convicted Gaudencio Lopez as charged of Rape of a Child and two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery for sexually assaulting two of his minor family members.

Testimony revealed that Lopez abused one victim between the ages of 7 and 10 and her younger sister between the ages of 6 and 7. The abuse remained hidden for years until the younger victim disclosed it to her mother, leading her sister to also come forward.

During the trial, both sisters gave emotional testimony about the assaults they endured. Their mother described the frequent visits to Lopez’s apartment, her belief that her daughters were safe in his care, and the moment they finally revealed the abuse. Memphis Police Department Lt. Roderock Watson testified about the investigation he conducted.

The jury’s decision brought long-awaited justice for the victims and their family, who expressed relief and gratitude for the outcome.

“This guilty verdict means everything to these young survivors and their family. It delivers accountability and justice after years of silence,” said DA Mulroy. “We are grateful for the tireless work of our Special Victims Unit prosecutors, whose dedication made this outcome possible.”

Special recognition goes to the trial team whose work secured this conviction: Assistant District Attorney Robert Steele, who led the trial, along with victim witness coordinators Jacqueline Chacon and Shanika Stone, and paralegal Magen Houston.