FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
January 19, 2011
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
AG STRANGE ANNOUNCES ARREST OF MAN CHARGED WITH
SEX CRIMES IN MADISON COUNTY
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange announced that a
man already facing charges for alleged sex crimes in Elmore County has been
arrested on similar charges in Madison County. John A. Astorga was arrested
yesterday by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation on the new charges at his home
in Wetumpka. He was taken to the Elmore County Jail, where he is being held
pending his transfer to Madison County.
The Attorney General’s Office presented evidence to a Madison County
grand jury on December 3, resulting in Astorga’s indictment*. Specifically, the
indictment charges Astorga with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse, a class C
felony. The alleged crimes involve three separate victims. These new charges in
Madison County are in addition to those brought in an Elmore County indictment
last July, which also charges Astorga with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse
involving three separate victims. The Attorney General’s Office investigated and is
prosecuting the cases in both counties.
If convicted, Astorga would face penalties of one year and one day to 10 years
imprisonment for each count. In addition, he would be required to register as a
convicted sex offender and to abide by community notification requirements of state
law.
No further information or comment about the investigation or about
Astorga’s alleged crimes other than that stated in the indictments may be released at
this time.
Attorney General Strange commended those involved in the case, noting in
particular Assistant Attorney General Andrew Arrington of his Violent Crimes
Division, Special Agent Susan Smith of his Investigations Division, and Special
Agent Brooke Walker of the Alabama Bureau of Investigation.
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*An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36130 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
