LV man convicted in assault of disabled girl

Friday, Oct. 5, 2001 | 10:42 a.m.

A Las Vegas resident was convicted Thursday of sexually assaulting a deaf and mute 13-year-old girl, who has the mental capacity of a 5-year-old.

Jurors rejected Mario Lopez-Benitez's denial of the crime.

Lopez-Benitez will face a prison term of 20 years to life when sentenced by District Judge John McGroarty on Nov. 15.

Deputy District Attorney Clark Peterson said Lopez-Benitez was charged with sexual assault of a minor and kidnapping in May after he was seen driving with the child in his van.

The girl had been missing for an hour and her mother originally thought Lopez-Benitez had come to her rescue. When Lopez-Benitez told the mother that the girl had asked for a ride she knew something was wrong, Peterson said.

The girl indicated through hand signals that she was in pain and that Lopez-Benitez had hurt her, Peterson said. An examination revealed evidence of a sexual assault and DNA.

The jury acquitted Lopez-Benitez on the kidnapping charge.

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