Jury Convicts Man of Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Shelby County, TN — A Shelby County jury found Luis Espino guilty Friday of multiple charges stemming from the prolonged sexual abuse of his stepdaughter over several years. After five hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of Guilty as Charged on three counts of Aggravated Rape of a Child and six counts of Rape of a Child.

Proof at trial showed that Espino sexually abused the victim beginning when she was a young child and continuing for years. The victim later disclosed the abuse, which prompted an investigation and ultimately led to criminal charges.

The jury convicted Espino after hearing testimony and reviewing evidence presented during the trial.

"Cases involving the sexual abuse of children are among the most difficult and heartbreaking that prosecutors handle," said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. "We are grateful to the victim for her courage in coming forward and sharing her story. This verdict holds the defendant accountable and helps ensure he can no longer harm children."

Assistant District Attorneys William Wetter and Annika Rush prosecuted the case.

Espino will be sentenced at a later date.