Pharr, TX (KRGV) — A Pharr man was sentenced to 40 years in prison after a Hidalgo County jury found him guilty of sexually abusing children, according to a news release from the office of Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios.

The jury found 61-year-old Martin Hernandez Alvarado guilty June 17. Judge Bobby Flores of the 139th District Court sentenced Alvarado on Oct. 19 to 40 years in prison for continuous sexual abuse of a child and 20 years for indecency with a child by contact.

The sentences will run at the same time.

The Pharr Police Department received allegations on March 17, 2021, involving Hernandez and two children. Authorities later determined Hernandez had sexually abused the children, who were between the ages of 6 and 12.

During the trial, evidence and testimony detailed the abuse suffered by the children.

"The impact of child sexual abuse can last long after the abuse ends. Our office is committed to protecting children and holding offenders accountable, and we are grateful to the children and their families for their courage throughout this process," District Attorney Toribio "Terry" Palacios said.

Assistant District Attorneys Cynthia M. Martinez, Nicole Rodriguez and Michelle Beltran of the Special Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.