Jury convicts man on sex crimes charges involving children

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - A week-long trial in a Rowan County courtroom ended with a guilty verdict on Tuesday for a man accused of sex crimes involving children.

Alejandro Gonzales Lopez, 44, was charged with first degree statutory rape, statutory sex offense, and taking indecent liberties with a child in January, 2020. The investigation began in 2019 when medical personnel reported evidence of sexual abuse to the Department of Social Services.

The case involving Lopez was conducted by investigators with the Salisbury Police Department.

The two victims were known to Lopez. The crimes occurred between 2007 and 2017.

Lopez was found guilty of two counts of statutory rape, two counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor, and three counts of a statutory sex offense.

Following the conviction, the presiding judge issued this sentence:

1. Rape of Child: minimum 300 months to a maximum of 420 months in prison.

2. Rape of Child: minimum 300 months to a maximum of 420 months in prison (to be served at the expiration in #1).

3. Statutory Sex Offense of Child: minimum 300 months to a maximum of 420 months in prison (to be served concurrently with #5).

4. Indecent Liberties with Child: minimum 16 months to a maximum of 29 months in prison (to be served at the expiration in #2).

5. Statutory Sex Offense with Child: minimum 240 months to a maximum of 348 months in prison (to be served concurrently with #3).

6. Indecent Liberties with Child: minimum 16 months to a maximum of 29 months in prison (to be served at the expiration in #4).

7. Sexual Offense with Child: minimum of 300 months to a maximum of 420 months in prison (to be served concurrently with #5, #6).

“I appreciate the hard work and dedication of Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Cheek, the thorough investigation conducted by the Salisbury Police Department, and the support of the Terrie Hess House Child Advocacy Center,” said Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook. “My office was able to hold Lopez accountable for his criminal conduct due to the courage of the child victims who testified in court and the continued partnership between all the agencies.”