PHOENIX โ A founder of the Minuteman border-watch group was sentenced to 19 years in prison for his convictions on charges that he molested a 5-year-old girl and showed her pornography.
The punishment given to Chris Simcox on Monday fell below the 36-year sentence sought by prosecutors.
The former border group leader, who was dressed in a black-and-white jail uniform, declined to make a statement before the sentence was handed down by Judge Jose Padilla.
Simcox shook his head as Padilla announced the sentence.
His trial ended in June with Simcox being convicted of sexually abusing the 5-year-old.
But he escaped a mandatory life sentence after the jury acquitted him on charges that he engaged in sexual conduct with a 6-year-old girl.
Simcox maintained that he didn't abuse the girls.
