Joaquin Morales Found Guilty of Assaulting Ex-Girlfriend
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Aug 14, 2019, 0 Comments
Courtesy Yanira Deleon,
(Laredo, Texas)-The District Attorney’s Office reports a guilty verdict for Joaquin Morales, 38, for a domestic violence assault. On October 16, 2018, the Laredo Police Department Communications Division received a 911 call of an assault that occurred on the 600 block of Mier Street. Upon arrival, an LPD officer met with the victim who stated that her boyfriend has strangled and assaulted her with a beer can after an argument ensued. She further stated that the argument escalated and her boyfriend pushed her to the ground and strangled her with both hands.
The victim had visible swelling, lacerations, bruises and scratches to her face and neck area. The victim’s boyfriend was identified as Joaquin Morales who denied the allegations during an interview.
Joaquin Morales was charged with one count of assault by strangulation, impeding breath or circulation and assault causing bodily injury, family member, a third-degree felony and a class A misdemeanor in the State of Texas,respectively.
The two-day trial took place before the 111th District Court Judge Monica Notzon. The jury heard testimony from two Laredo Police Department Officers and the victim. After the jury found Morales guilty on both counts, the State and defense reached an agreement as to punishment. Morales was sentenced to 5 years to serve for assault by strangulation and 1 year to serve for assault causing bodily injury.
The sentences will run concurrent. Morales will begin his sentence immediately at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correctional Institution Division.
Assistant District Attorneys Rogelio “Roy” Soto, Pedro A. Guajardo and Aaron Bundoc prosecuted the case for the State.
