An Aurora man who videotaped himself sexually assaulting teenage boys has been sentenced to 22 years to life in prison.
Andrew Brian Sandoval, 51, pleaded guilty Feb. 22 to one count of sexual assault on a child-pattern of abuse, as part of a plea agreement in which additional charges were dropped, according to an Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office news release.
In October 2019, Sandoval was charged with child sexual assault-pattern of abuse, internet luring of a child with intent to exploit and sexual exploitation of a child. The mother of a 13-year-old victim had found disturbing text messages on his phone and contacted Aurora police, who opened an investigation.
The mother of the victim spoke during Sandoval’s Monday sentencing, according to the release.
“A grown man enticed and lured a child for his sexual gratification — he is a sick and disgusting predator,” the mother told the judge. “Such disgusting acts of a predator can never be forgiven. We will be living with this forever.”
Prosecutors in the case said Sandoval assaulted multiple victims, based on video evidence, but only one victim was positively identified and cooperated in the case.
“Those who prey on our children tear the fabric of our society, which is trained to protect our most vulnerable members at all costs,” said District Attorney John Kellner in the release. “This defendant was found to have dozens of videos of himself with teenage boys in his home. Problems with identification and cooperation meant we could only bring a case with one victim, but that is one too many. The life of the young victim is forever altered, as is that of his family. This defendant deserves a harsh sentence for his crimes.”
Arapahoe District Court Judge Shay Whitaker, who sentenced Sandoval, noted that the defendant had no prior criminal history.
“But the facts are pretty horrific in this case,” she said. “It was a prolonged process committed numerous times, over time … There were calculated actions and activities. It was thought out and planned.”
Prosecutors said Sandoval met several teenage boys online and brought them to his home, where he assaulted them.
Sandoval will serve 22 years in prison before being eligible for parole. He’ll be released only if he successfully completes treatment and is no longer deemed a danger, the release said. If he is released, Sandoval must register as a sex offender for life and he’ll remain on parole for 20 years to life.
