Portales, NM Ninth Judicial District Attorney, Quentin Ray, announced that on January 8, 2025, Lawrence Corne, age 53, of Portales, pled guilty to Criminal Sexual Penetration and Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor.
An investigation by the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Corne had been molesting his daughter for over five months. An unusual statement he made to his wife led her to question the child, and the abuse was then uncovered. Investigator Jacob Bonner was able to speak to Corne who confessed to the crimes.
On January 8, 2025, the Honorable Donna Mowrer sentenced Corne to 33 years in the Department of Corrections for his actions and, pursuant to a plea agreement, suspended the final 12 years in favor of lifetime sex offender parole. In addition, Corne will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
The case was prosecuted by Brian Scott Stover, Chief Deputy District Attorney. Although the defendant deserved even more time for this action, the decision on the plea was made to protect the young victim from having to endure what would have been a difficult trial, said Stover. The victim, her mother, and family have relocated out of state where she can receive much-needed counseling.
Lawrence Corne was represented by the criminal defense attorney, Raymond G. Conley.
For more information, please contact the Office of the District Attorney, at 575-769-2246.
