Dad gets 18 years for infant daughter's death (Las Cruces, New Mexico)

Dad is identified as ROBERT FLORES.

http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2013/04/24/abqnewsseeker/updated-dad-gets-18-years-in-babys-death.html

UPDATED: Dad gets 18 years in baby’s death

By ABQnews Staffon
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 POSTED: 7:18 am .

The Las Cruces man who left his infant daughter in a laundry basket, went out to buy beer, then returned to find the child unresponsive, was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to 18 years in prison, the Las Cruces Sun-News reported.

Robert Flores, 28, was convicted in February of negligent child abuse resulting in death and tampering with evidence at a trial held in Albuquerque because of concerns over local media coverage of the case.

State District Judge Fernando Macias told Flores he didn’t consider him a “monster,” but said “there has to be accountability,” the Sun-News said.

Flores’ attorney Mark Pickett had asked for a 12-year sentence, citing mitigating factors, such as his genuine remorse and love for his daughter, the paper reported. Pickett also asked that Flores be released on bond pending his appeal.

But Macias said there were no mitigating factors and that Flores might consider a bond hearing once he saw the basis for an appeal, according to the Sun-News report.

Meanwhile, Flores — who had been free on bond for most of the time since being indicted more than five years ago — was led in handcuffs from the courtroom Tuesday, the Sun-News said.

Prosecutor Jacinto Palomino said a determination on a bond hearing for Flores could come within 40 days, the paper reported.