n man was sentenced last week for two counts of rape of a child and one count of child molestation after pleading guilty on March 30, 2020. Jose Guadalupe Flores Hernandez of 703 W. Commercial St., was sentenced April 2 in Columbia County Superior Court to 18 years to life on one count of first-degree rape of a child, 46 months on one count of third-degree rape of a child, and 57 months for the third count, second-degree child molestation.

Flores Hernandez was arrested October 30, 2019, by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies after a 14-year-old female from the household in which Flores Hernandez was living reported being allegedly sexually assaulted.

The 18-year sentence handed down by Judge G. Scott Marinella was at the high end of the 162- to 216-month range for the count of first-degree rape of a child. On the second count, the 57-month sentence was close to the top of the standard range of 46-60 months and on the third count of child molestation, the 57-month sentence was at the bottom of the standard sentencing range of 57-75 months. The sentences will run concurrently.

First-degree rape of a child charged is a Class A Felony and charged because Flores Hernandez was at least 24 months older than the victim, and the victim was less than 12 years of age. The maximum penalty is Life imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine. Third-degree rape was charged because the perpetrator was at least 48 months older than the victim, and the victim was at least 14 years of age but less than 16 years old. The maximum penalty for third-degree rape of a child is five years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine. Second-degree child molestation was charged because Flores Hernandez was at least 36 months older than the victim and the victim was at least 12 years old, but less than 14 years of age. The maximum penalty would be 10 years imprisonment and/or $20,000 fine.

Following release from prison, Flores Hernandez will be under lifetime community custody, said Columbia County Prosecuting Attorney C. Dale Slack. Following completion of the in-custody portion of the sentences, Slack said he believes Flores Hernandez will be deported.