Man gets 66 years in child sex case
May 16—A Portales man was sentenced Monday to 66 years in prison after he was convicted of sexual exploitation of a child, according to a news release from District Attorney Quentin Ray.
Anthony West, 53, was found guilty by a Roosevelt County jury on March 29 of nine counts of causing or permitting a child to engage in sexual exploitation.
Court records show that on April 23, 2020, officers with the New Mexico State Police were contacted about a possible child pornography case, according to the news release.
Investigators discovered that West had in his possession hundreds of explicit photos and videos of himself engaging in sexual acts with a child as young as 16, the news release stated. West had these images on multiple electronic devices found in his home.
"I have not done anything that was harmful to (his alleged victim)," West told Ninth Judicial District Judge Donna Mowrer at his sentencing.
"You were a complete wolf in sheep's clothing," Mowrer responded.
West is appealing the conviction. His appeal bond was set for $25,000 cash only.
Mowrer ordered West is not to have any contact with the victim in this case or any children under the age of 16. West will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his natural life according to the news release.
The case was prosecuted by Ray and Deputy District Attorney, Brian Stover.
West was represented by criminal defense attorney Jeremiah Hall of the public defender's office. Hall could not immediately be reached for comment.
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