'Horrendous Predator' Faces 25 Years For Sexually Abusing Girl: Prosecutor

PASADENA, MD — A Pasadena man called a "horrendous predator" by prosecutors faces 25 years in prison after he was convicted Monday of sexually abusing a girl. Richard Irizarry Minton, of Pasadena, was found guilty of the sex abuse charge by an Anne Arundel County Circuit Court jury.

Prosecutors say Minton began sexually molesting the child when she was in the eighth grade and then continued molesting her for three years. The severity and occasion of the molestation progressively increased as the victim became older. Minton was in a position of trust over the child and intentionally used that position of trust to "groom" the victim over time to be sexually molested, officials said.

"This case is particularly egregious given the fact that Mr. Minton intentionally used his position of trust to abuse this child over many years. My office will continue to seek justice for our most vulnerable citizens who fall prey to the predators who abuse their positions of trust to commit these heinous acts," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams in a statement."

Minton faces up to 25 years in prison for his convictions. Judge Laura Kiessling revoked Minton's bond, pending sentencing. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.