Mariano Medina Sanchez

Mariano Sanchez Medina, 23, was taken into police custody July 31, Thursday, two days after he allegedly forced a sex act on a female victim under the age of 14. Yesterday, during a plea hearing Medina pleaded guilty to a level 1 felony count of child molestation before Judge Michael Reed.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed with the prosecutor’s officer, Medina attempted to have intercourse with the victim while her mother was taking a bath. The victim’s mother reported entering the room to observe both Medina and the victim pulling up their pants and the victim informed detectives with Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department that Medina had placed his hand on her stomach and attempted to have intercourse.

During an interview with police detectives, the woman stated she had observed Medina holding the girl’s hands behind her and simulating a sex act in May. The woman reportedly informed police that Medina had begged her to not notify police at the time.

Medina was arrested with a $6,000 surety bond. If convicted, a Level 1 felony carries a term of imprisonment between 20 and 40 years. Medina’s sentencing is scheduled for March 23.