PORT ARTHUR, Texas — A man found guilty of indecency and attempting to sexually assault a small child who was under five years old was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday afternoon.

The jury began deliberating Thursday morning in the case of Joshua Mendez, 29, who faced charges of indecency with a child and attempted aggravated sexual assault of a child.

He was sentenced to 10 years on each charge by Judge John Stevens. Mendez will serve the sentences consecutively, resulting in a total of 20 years in prison.

The jury started deliberations at 11:25 a.m. in Criminal District Court under Judge Stevens.

Mendez rejected a 10-year prison plea offer Monday before jury selection began. Defense attorney Tom Burbank represents Mendez, while prosecutor Jimmy Hamm is handling the case for t

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