DALLAS, Texas - A 56-year-old man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on March 12, 2026, following a Dallas County jury's guilty verdict for the aggravated sexual assault of a child. Hector Ortiz-Hernandez was convicted for the 2015 abuse of a boy under the age of 14, ending a case that spanned over a decade from the initial offense to the final judgment.
The investigation into the January 2015 assault involved a coordinated effort between several agencies and medical professionals. The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center and MD Kids Pediatrics provided critical support and forensic resources, while the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) managed the welfare aspects of the case. Ortiz-Hernandez was eventually taken into custody in May 2025.
Testimony and Trial Details
During the trial, the victim, now several years older, took the stand to testify against his abuser. Because the defendant is a non-English speaker, a Spanish translator was assigned to the defense to ensure legal protocols were followed throughout the proceedings.
The prosecution was led by Lauren Villanueva and Delayna Griffin. The investigative team included DA Investigator Barry Maxwell and DA Victim Advocate Vicenta Tapia, who supported the victim through the litigation process.
Sentencing and Registration
In addition to the 30-year prison term, Ortiz-Hernandez is required to register as a sex offender for life. Documentation presented during the case also identified the defendant as an undocumented immigrant.
Following the sentencing, Ortiz-Hernandez was transferred to the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to begin serving his sentence.
