Jury Convicts Javier Levario in Long-Delayed Child Sexual Abuse Case

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — After more than a decade of silence and two trials, justice was delivered this week in the Third Judicial District Court as a jury found Javier Levario, 32, of Vado, New Mexico, guilty on all counts for the sexual abuse of two minor relatives dating back to 2011.

Levario was convicted of 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor Under 13 and 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor Under 13, charges stemming from incidents that occurred when the victims were children. Although the abuse took place in 2011, it was not disclosed to authorities until 2017—a delay that prosecutors say reflects the complex trauma and fear often faced by child victims.

The jury returned its verdict after approximately 40 minutes of deliberation, following a second trial in the matter. A previous trial held earlier this year ended in a hung jury, underscoring the challenges of prosecuting cases with delayed disclosure and limited physical evidence.

“This was a victory that has been a long time coming,” said Spencer Willson, Chief Deputy District Attorney, who led the prosecution. “I am so very thankful we were able to secure justice for the victims and their family and all who were affected by this case. Our office remains committed to ensuring all sex offenders are held accountable for their actions no matter how much time has passed.”

District Attorney Fernando R. Macias praised the courage of the victims and the perseverance of the prosecution team. “Cases involving delayed disclosure, especially with child victims, can be challenging to prosecute,” Macias said. “The courage shown by these young survivors in coming forward years later was the cornerstone of this case. This verdict sends a clear message that dangerous predators will be held accountable.”

Levario remains in custody pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for a later date. The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office has not yet released details regarding potential sentencing ranges, but 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor Under 13 is considered a serious violent offense under New Mexico law and carries a mandatory prison term.

The case highlights the importance of trauma-informed prosecution and the evolving understanding of how childhood abuse impacts disclosure timelines. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, many survivors of child sexual abuse delay reporting for years due to fear, shame, or manipulation by the perpetrator.

The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which serves Doña Ana County, has increasingly focused on victim-centered approaches in cases involving sexual violence and child abuse. Special Program Director and Public Information Officer Eddie Estrada confirmed that the office continues to work closely with victim advocates and law enforcement to support survivors throughout the legal process.

For survivors seeking support, resources are available through the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs and local advocacy centers such as La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services in Las Cruces.

Sources:

National Child Traumatic Stress Network – www.nctsn.org

Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office – Public Statement via Eddie Estrada, PIO

New Mexico Statutes Annotated – Criminal Code Title 30

2nd Life Media Childhood Trauma 

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