A 28-year-old man was sentenced today to 31 years to life in state prison for sexually abusing two Palmdale sisters ages 9 and 11, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

Deputy District Attorney Lyle Riggs said Jerardo Garcia Sierra (dob 4/23/89) pleaded no contest on Feb. 26, to one count each of lewd act upon a child and sexual intercourse or sodomy with child 10 years or younger.

As a result of the plea, Garcia also will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The defendant, who had access to the girls through a family member, began the abuse in May 2013, the prosecutor said. The abuse of the youngest victim continued through August 2016

As a result of the sexual abuse, that victim became pregnant, but the baby died shortly after birth, according to evidence presented at the preliminary hearing.

The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Los Angeles District Attorney / March 28, 2018