Child molester gets at least 25 years in prison

A Texas man convicted of sexually abusing a young girl will serve at least 25 years in prison, a judge decided. Melvin Robert Martin, 37, was handed 34 separate sentences Tuesday, including seven 50-year terms -- a total of 870 years in prison -- though a judge ordered the terms be served concurrently, meaning he will face a minimum 25 years behind bars, the San Antonio Express-News reported. Prosecutors during Martin's trial said he asked family members to offer the victim, an 8-year-old girl when the abuse began in December 2000, $10,000 to recant her story. Prosecutors played a recorded conversation between Martin and a family member who he called while in jail during which he tells the person to give the girl the money and have her tell prosecutors she made up the allegations due to her bipolar disorder. The abuse continued until May 2009. "We're gonna have to make it worth her while to get her to change her [expletive] story," he said before the relative reminded him the conversation was being recorded. "They can record all they want to," he added. "I just hope to God she'll take it." Martin's sister-in-law and girlfriend of three years testified on his behalf, saying he was a loving father and they had no qualms having him around the family's young children. "You know, Mr. Martin, this is certainly not easy and I understand your family's concern, how much they love you and how much they support you, but I also watched [the victim] testify," Texas District Judge Mary Roman said during the sentencing.