Man gets life in prison for assaulting teen

A 45-year-old California man was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for assaulting a 15-year-old girl a year ago.

Elisandro Mendoza continued to deny he committed the offense and complained about his legal representation as Judge Dave Gamble imposed the life sentence for sexual assault.

Mendoza may be eligible for parole in 10 years.

"I'm going to pay for something I haven't done," Mendoza said, speaking through an interpreter. "I'm going to pay for it with my life. I didn't have a chance for a good lawyer to help me."

Mendoza, of Tulare, Calif., also repeated his threat to refuse food which he first made at his arraignment in September. According to Douglas County Jail personnel, the defendant has been eating.

Gamble pointed out Tuesday that he gave Mendoza an opportunity in September to replace lawyer Tod Young as his court-appointed representation, but Mendoza said Young was doing a good job.

"I spoke to you at that time and you told me you wanted to keep him on the job," Gamble said.

Mendoza also turned down Young's offer to resign from the case.

Young said his client refused to read a presentence report which details his background.

Mendoza agreed to plead guilty in a plea bargain with the district attorney's office. In addition to the probation clause, additional charges were dropped in exchange for the plea.

Mendoza also must undergo lifetime supervision as a sex offender.

Mendoza has been held in jail on $275,000 bail since his arrest last November.

According to reports, Mendoza threatened the teenager with a weapon which turned out to be a BB gun.

Fearing the weapon was more dangerous, the victim submitted to Mendoza's demands.