Carmin A. Monge-Cruz

A Bowling Green resident pleaded guilty Tuesday in a case in which he was accused of sexually abusing a 6-year-old girl.

Carmin A. Monge-Cruz, 38, pleaded guilty in Warren Circuit Court to five counts of first-degree sexual abuse, accepting an offer from prosecutors that will recommend an eight-year prison sentence.

Monge-Cruz was arrested March 7 after the Bowling Green Police Department was called to TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital, where the child was brought to the emergency room by her mother.

Warren County Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Kori Bumgarner said in court Tuesday that Monge-Cruz admitted to police that he had engaged in sexual contact with the child a total of five times.

According to police records, Dr. Randall Davidson told police that the child disclosed to him that Cruz digitally penetrated her.

The child’s mother told police that her daughter told her en route to the hospital that Monge-Cruz had touched her and caused bleeding, and had also said that Monge-Cruz often touches her, records show.

The mother described Monge-Cruz to police as a “sex fiend” who often watches pornography, but she hadn’t noticed Monge-Cruz showing any interest in children or in child pornography, according to police records.

The child’s mother told police that she got a ride to the hospital and that Monge-Cruz remained in the hospital waiting room until police arrived, according to police records. When Monge-Cruz saw police, he left.

Officers went to Monge-Cruz’s home with the consent of the homeowner and entered using a key. 

City police told Monge-Cruz to exit the bedroom with his hands in the air, he complied and was detained, records show. He has been held in Warren County Regional Jail since his arrest.

In addition to the eight-year prison term, Monge-Cruz will be subject to five years of supervised release after his incarceration and will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

An El Salvadoran national, Monge-Cruz is also subject to deportation as a result of his conviction.

Had the case gone to trial, Monge-Cruz faced up to 10 years in prison on each of the five counts of first-degree sexual abuse.

Monge-Cruz will be formally sentenced March 13 by Warren Circuit Judge Steve Wilson.

— Follow courts reporter Justin Story on Twitter @jstorydailynews or visit bgdailynews.com