LAWTON, Okla. — A Lawton man was sentenced today after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a 2017 incident in which he was accused of molesting a 5-year-old girl.
Anthony A. Manuel, 42, entered his guilty plea in court, admitting to the sexual abuse of the child in October 2017. According to court documents, the victim reported that Manuel entered her room and touched her inappropriately. The victim’s statement led to an investigation and Manuel’s subsequent arrest.
Manuel was sentenced to a 25-year suspended prison sentence, which will be served consecutively with a separate federal sentence he received in Arizona. In addition to the suspended sentence, Manuel was ordered to register as a sex offender and pay a total of $4,332.37 in fines, fees, and court costs.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address and prevent child abuse. As part of the legal process, the court has emphasized the importance of holding offenders accountable and ensuring justice for victims. Manuel’s sentencing follows a years-long investigation, and authorities hope it will provide some measure of closure for the victim and their family.
The case also highlights the broader issue of child abuse, a crime that continues to impact communities across the nation. As the legal process concludes, the community remains focused on supporting survivors and providing resources to help them heal.
