Police: Sugar Land man escapes to Mexico prior to child sex abuse sentence

Radwan Balbisi, 40, was sentenced to 28 years in prison on three charges: aggravated sexual assault of a child and two charges of indecency with a child. Radwan Balbisi, 40, was sentenced to 28 years in prison on three charges: aggravated sexual assault of a child and two charges of indecency with a child. Photo: Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office Photo: Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Police: Sugar Land man escapes to Mexico prior to child sex abuse sentence 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A Sugar Land man cut off his ankle monitor and fled to Mexico prior to being sentenced in connection to a series of child abuse charges in Fort Bend County, according to a release from the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office.

Radwan Balbisi, 40, was sentenced to 28 years in prison on three charges: aggravated sexual assault of a child and two charges of indecency with a child.

While he was out on bond awaiting his trial, Balbisi cut off his satellite ankle monitor and fled the U.S. He was found days later in Mexico City, according to the release.

“Balbisi thought he was above the law and tried to escape justice,” Fort Bend County Assistant District Attorneys Craig Priesmeyer said in the release. “However, thanks to the outstanding efforts of our local and federal law enforcement agencies, we were able to make sure the defendant had his day in court.”

Balbisi was found guilty of engaging in multiple acts of sexual contact with a child victim in 2017. Police said he would "create situations" to try and be alone with the child. An investigation was launched after the child alerted an adult of the abuse, who then contacted authorities.

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“So often children do not disclose sexual abuse right away," Fort Bend County Assistant District Attorney Terese Buess said in the release. "Thankfully, the child in this case found the courage to tell her caretaker, who was supportive and protective. Because of their bravery, this perpetrator was brought to justice."

Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years, or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Indecency with a child by sexual contact is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and the same fine, according to the release.

Balbisi will serve his 18-year, 6-year, and 4-year sentences consecutively. He will be eligible for parole after serving half of the 28 years.

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Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com