Clovis man sentenced to 21 years in sexual assault case

A Clovis man on Tuesday was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the sexual assault of a child.

George Gutierrez, 39, will also be required to register as a sex offender following his release from prison, according to a news release from Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray.

According to the news release:

On June 25, Clovis police officers responded to a home in regard to a sexual assault. "After a thorough investigation ... Gutierrez was arrested for the extreme allegations of sexual touching and penetration after grooming the child for many years."

Gutierrez will be required to serve 85% of the sentence, the news release stated.

The victim spoke at the hearing, stating: "I have carried a heavy burden, a secret that destroyed me for many years and it's time to break my silence and be heard. I have found strength to forgive you, George, and I am determined to heal."