Texas man, 71, convicted in child sexual abuse case in Curry County

Texas man, 71, convicted in child sexual abuse case in Curry County

CLOVIS, New Mexico (KVII) — A Curry County jury convicted a 71-year-old Texas man of sexually abusing a child.

Michael Bara of Muleshoe was found guilty of criminal sexual contact of a child under 13.

The Clovis Police Department began investigating in March 2023 after school officials received a report that a 12-year-old had disclosed inappropriate sexual contact by Bara, District Attorney Quentin Ray said.

During the trial, the victim testified about the abuse. Jurors also heard testimony from law enforcement officers and the child’s mother before returning the guilty verdict.

Bara remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced in October by District Judge David Reeb. He faces up to six years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections.