Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that, on January 11–12, 2023, the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office successfully prosecuted Ricardo Sandoval, Jr. in a jury trial where he was convicted of 7 counts of child molestation—with the most severe count being a Level 1 felony—and 7 counts of sexual battery. The prosecution was led by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Josh Hutcheson and Alec Baker.
The prosecution presented evidence that Mr. Sandoval engaged in frequent sexual abuse of the victim at a young age and over the course of at least six years.
The incident was investigated by Evansville Police Department Detective Kyle Campbell. The abuse was disclosed to Holly’s House in Evansville, Indiana, which is a child and adult victim advocacy center. A forensic interview was conducted by Kirsten Hettinga with the participation of the Indiana Department of Child Services. The prosecution deeply appreciates the testimony of Ms. Hettinga and DCS caseworker Harry Hazelwood at trial to reach a just resolution.
Prosecutor Moers thanked her Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Josh Hutcheson and Alec Baker and Victim Advocate Teresa Wink, as well as EPD Detective Kyle Campbell, for their diligent efforts. DPA Hutcheson stated at the close of trial that he was “very happy that the victim got the justice the victim so rightly deserved through the bravery and willingness to confront the abuser.†Â
“The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office takes its commitment to seek justice for victims of sexual abuse very seriously,†said Prosecutor Moers, “And it welcomes the opportunity to further partner with Holly’s House and DCS to empower victims to speak up about their abuse and to receive justice in the state’s courts.† Â
Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2023 in front of Magistrate Judge Celia M. Pauli of the Vanderburgh Circuit Court. Mr. Sandoval faces at least twenty to forty years for the Level 1 felony, either concurrently or consecutively with potentially more time given for the other convictions.
