Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced the sentencing of Norman Aviles-Garriga, a former Jehovah’s Witnesses elder, to 11.5 to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing three children over two decades ago.
Aviles-Garriga, aged 45, was convicted by a Lancaster County jury in June on 12 charges including aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, and endangering the welfare of children. The charges were brought forward by the Office of Attorney General following an investigation by the 49th Investigating Grand Jury.
"This defendant, who abused his position within the religious community and sexually assaulted multiple children, was sentenced to over a decade in state prison," stated Attorney General Henry. "He was also found to be a sexually violent predator, which will require lifetime registrations as a sex offender."
The abuse took place between 1999 and 2003 in Lancaster city. According to testimony during the trial, two victims initially reported the abuse to leaders within the Jehovah’s Witnesses community but these reports did not reach law enforcement. It was only later when victims disclosed their experiences to counselors that an investigation ensued.
Attorney General Henry commended the bravery of the victims: "The courage and strength these victims displayed is so admirable and appreciated. Even after the trauma they endured at the hands of this defendant, they came forward, they testified, and now this defendant stands convicted and sentenced for his heinous crimes."
Chief Deputy Attorney General Angela Sperrazza led the prosecution efforts in this case.