MESA, Ariz. — A man was recently issued two life sentences in an Arizona prison after he was found guilty of abusing an 8-year-old.

David Cruz, 44, received an additional 30 years in prison for sex crimes committed against a child in Mesa, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

When he was questioned by Mesa police, Cruz reportedly admitted to the acts but tried to "deflect blame" onto the victim, MCAO said.

Cruz went on trial for the offenses after the girl disclosed to a relative that Cruz had been touching her inappropriately for months. At the conclusion of the bench trial, a judge found the defendant guilty of multiple "dangerous crimes" against children.

The girl was called to testify during the trial about the sexual abuse.

“It takes unimaginable courage for a chil

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