On January 15, 2010, Richard Eugene “Papa Red” Aaron, 42, was convicted in La Paz County Superior Court of three counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor and one count of Aggravated Assault. Mr. Aaron had been living in Quartzsite, AZ prior to his arrest.

Between December 2005, and August 2008, Mr. Aaron sexually assaulted his step daughter who was between 4 and 6 years old at the time the sexual assaults were committed.

Sexual Conduct with a Minor carries a minimum sentence of 13 years, and a maximum sentence of 27 years, in the Arizona Department of Corrections, and there is no eligibility for probation or early release.

Mr.  Aaron is scheduled to be sentenced in La Paz County Superior Court, by Judge Michael Burke, on February 16, 2010.

La Paz County Attorney Sam Vederman said these are often difficult cases to prosecute: “Sexually abused children are quite often very difficult witnesses to examine and Jessica’s direct examination of the victim was excellent. Tom’s closing argument was tremendous and sealed the case in my opinion. The real hero is the victim who is now 8 years old.  The courage she showed, having to testify while Mr. Aaron was staring at her, was incredible. The case had many complexities and I want to thank the jury for taking the time to review the evidence thoroughly.”