Gonzales man convicted of sexual crimes against children

A Gonzales man could be facing a number of years in prison after being convicted of several felonies involving sexual crimes against children.

The trial for Kenneth Warren Riedel, 61, began in the 25th District Court of Judge William Old III on Monday, Jan. 10. He was convicted by a jury on Jan. 13 of one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child and four counts of indecency with a child, said First Assistant County Attorney Carrie Miller, who prosecuted the case. Riedel was defended by attorney Robert Bland.

Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a first-degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Indecency with a child is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2-20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The minimum term of imprisonment for aggravated sexual assault is increased to 25 years if the victim of the offense is younger than six years of age at the time the offense is committed or is younger than 14 years of age and the actor commits the offense by either causing bodily harm or using acts or words to place the victim in fear of such harm or using or exhibiting a weapon in the course of committing the crime or administering any substance capable of impairing the victim’s ability.

Riedel’s victims were two females, ages 4 and 6, when the offenses occurred in 2013.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 22.