A local man found guilty in Anderson County District Court of two counts of child rape was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison recently as a result of a plea agreement with the Anderson County Attorney’s office. District Judge Eric Goederz granted a motion by County Attorney, Elizabeth Oliver, for sentencing on two of nearly 20 charges included in the complaint against Giovanni Rodriguez of Garnett. He was charged in connection with the rape, sexual exploitation, and production of pornographic images involving a 13-year-old girl.
The sentencing and plea agreement come from the incident what happened in February and March of 2021. Individual rape counts carry penalties of 25 years to life, with similar sentences for child exploitation. Oliver says Rodriguez should be granted parole after the initial 25 year sentence, and he will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
