George Rodriguez Recio, 74 of Grover beach was sentenced to 73-years to life in prison for sexually abusing three young girls and one woman over a 28-year span. Submitted photo
A Grover Beach man has been sentenced to 73-years to life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing three girls and one woman, over a nearly 30-year period.
D.A. Dan Dow’s Office announced in June that George Rodriguez Recio, 74, had been convicted on 20 felony counts of sexually abusing the victims from 1996-2024. His sentence was handed down Aug. 25.
“Three victims,” the D.A. said, “were between the ages of 6 and 12 when the abuse occurred, and one victim was 25-years old. The crimes occurred in Grover Beach.”
Judge Michael Frye in handing down the sentence also issued a criminal protective order “prohibiting Recio from having contact with the victims and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life.”
The three oldest victims attended the sentencing and gave victim testimonies, and a victim’s advocate read a statement from the youngest girl.
According to the D.A., one victim said, “I am mad that you betrayed me and my trust. You were my friend. You were my Tío Pepe. Now you are my worst nightmare. You are the monster behind the closed door. Today, I create my own peace.” “Tío” is Spanish for “uncle.”
D.A. Dow said, “This sentence cannot undo the profound harm inflicted on these victims or restore the years of safety and peace that were taken from them.
“But it does ensure that this defendant will be held accountable and no longer be able to victimize others in our community. The courage of these four victims —to come forward, tell the truth, and endure an extraordinarily difficult legal process — made this result possible.”
He added, “Today belongs to these survivors. Their voices were heard, their rights were honored, and their strength helped secure accountability.
Victim Advocate Dona Reed and Witness Coordinator Kellie Navarro of the Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center supported the victims throughout the case.
The case is a chance for the D.A.’s Office to assure victims of sexual abuse that help is available and they are not alone.
“Confidential support, advocacy, and assistance are available through the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Center and community partners. Survivors may seek services regardless of whether they are ready to report abuse to law enforcement. When a survivor chooses to report, law enforcement and victim-service professionals can help investigate the crime, pursue accountability, enhance safety, and connect the survivor with available resources.”
