Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Two 6-Year-Old Girls In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — A man was sentenced to 325 years to life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two young girls for several years.

Christopher T. Gardner, 33, was convicted on May 22 by a jury of 15 felony sex abuse charges, which included molesting the two girls over a five-year period, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.

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Prosecutors said the victims, who were Gardner's relatives, were 6 years old when the abuse began.

The abuse came to light when one of victims told a friend during a sleepover that she had been touched inappropriately, according to the District Attorney's Office. The friend's mother contacted law enforcement, leading to an investigation and Gardner's arrest.

After Gardner was arrested, a third relative came forward and told investigators that she was 7 or 8 years old when Gardner sexually assaulted her. During the nine-day trial, the first two victims testified to multiple vulgar acts of sexual abuse by Gardner.

"Predators who rob children of their innocence and inflict lifelong trauma do not belong in our communities," San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement.

"This sentence sends an unmistakable message to abusers: You will be held accountable. I am deeply grateful to our specialized sexual abuse prosecution team for their dedication in bringing a measure of justice to the survivors."