photo by: Mackenzie Clark

At right, Frank J. Martinez, of Lawrence, listens to the judge during his preliminary hearing on Sept. 4, 2019, in Douglas County District Court. At left is Martinez's defense attorney, Angela Keck.

A Lawrence man was sentenced Friday to just short of five years in prison for molesting a girl from the time she was 12 until she was 15.

Frank J. Martinez, 36, was initially charged with three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, which would carry a presumed life sentence, and two counts of indecent liberties with a child, both lower-level felonies. However, on Oct. 17, he pleaded no contest to one count of aggravated indecent liberties.

As part of the plea agreement, Senior Assistant District Attorney Debby Moody and Martinez’s defense attorney, Angela Keck, recommended the standard sentence of 59 months in prison. Judge Kay Huff agreed to impose that sentence.

The victim could not attend the hearing, but she asked a Lawrence police officer to read her victim impact statement to the court. In it, the girl wrote that she hoped the judge would sentence Martinez to at least four years in prison because that’s how long he abused her.

She wrote that she felt tricked and betrayed and that she’s been hospitalized for suicidal ideation. She lost her childhood, teenage years and innocence, and Martinez didn’t have the decency to apologize, she wrote.

According to an affidavit in the case, the girl told police that Martinez regularly groped her and brushed his hands over her chest while “spooning” and “cuddling” her. She reported that he also kissed her feet and put her toes in his mouth.

“(The victim) stated she was terrified Frank would rape her, so she went along with the touches and his instructions to cuddle,” the police affidavit said.

Given the opportunity, Martinez did not say anything at the sentencing hearing. He hung his head as Huff discussed the details of his sentence.

Huff agreed to waive his attorney fees, noting that the conviction may make it difficult for him to get a job once he is released.

Martinez was arrested May 8, and he has remained jailed on $150,000 bond, the Journal-World has reported. He will receive credit for 226 days served, and he is eligible for 15% good time credit.

He will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years, and he will have lifetime post-release supervision.