KINGMAN, Ariz. – A Kingman resident from Colombia is charged in an 18-count indictment alleging sex crimes committed upon three prepubescent children. Jonathan Rodriguez-Berdugo, 31, appeared before Judge Billy Sipe during a contentious settlement conference conducted Sept. 22.
Investigation began in the spring when Rodriguez-Berdugo had been accused of improper touching involving a seven-year-old girl. Detectives reportedly discovered child pornography videos with the defendant engaged in sex with nine- and 11-year-old sisters.
The case is assigned to Judge Ryan Esplin, but Judge Sipe handled the settlement conference. Sipe told the defendant the state’s case is strong and that conviction and imprisonment is almost certain.
“If this went to trial, I would expect the jury to convict you,” Sipe said. “Under any circumstance, if you’re convicted, you’ll spend the rest of your life in prison.”
Rodriguez-Berdugo told the court that he has been working in America to support his parents in Columbia. He expressed concern that extended incarceration will prevent him from seeing them again.
Sipe replied that criminal actions bring negative consequence.
“Unless your parents come here to see you, I don’t think you’ll ever see them again,” Sipe said. “You’re gonna miss life. You’re gonna miss graduations. You’re gonna miss anniversaries. That’s part of the deal.”
The defendant also uttered admissions.
“Did I make a mistake, yeah,” he said. “I didn’t expect to do it, but I did. The prosecutor and people look at me like I’m a monster.”
“You didn’t just make a mistake,” judge Sipe replied. “You committed horrible sex crimes against children.”
Prosecutor Leah Nelson and Public Defender Ross Carponelli sparred during the hearing, basically conducting plea negotiations before the court. Nelson said the state wants a plea that puts the defendant away for life, while Carponelli sought something he said should be more reasonable.
There was discussion of a potential plea resolution involving a 33- to 75-year prison term, with Nelson expressing preference for a stipulated 54-year sentence.
Parties are free to continue negotiation with the case being sent back to Judge Esplin for an Oct. 8 status conference.
