TUCSON, Ariz. -- A sentence that’s been years in the making.
Today the woman accused of kicking a Pima County Sheriff’s Deputy in the face and blinding him in one eye will now serve time in jail.
Yessenia Gonzales was sentenced to 90 days in jail and five years probation.
It was a ruling that brought mixed emotions in the courtroom.
Former Pima County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Bustamante says he can recall the moment he was injured by Gonzales, like it was yesterday.
“The moment she kicked me, I knew I had lost my eye,” said Bustamante.
He says the speeding call he responded to in 2016 changed his life forever.
“Gonzales was stopped for speeding on the roadway, a backup officer was requested and I was the one that went and responded. Ms. Gonzales was over two times the legal limit and resisted arrest. In doing so and placing her in the can forcibly, she kicked my eye out,” he added.
Bustamante says it is unfortunate the case never went to trial, but states the outcome was better than he expected.
“I came into court with every expectation she was going to get 3 years probation per the plea that was given. I was surprised that they added two more years of probation and the fact that they took her into custody for another 72 days,” he told KGUN9.
The former deputy says, though not ideal, he is relieved it is over and can now move on to his next chapter.
“Now this three years of limbo has gone away and now I can start focusing on what I am going to do for myself and my family,” he stated.
Gonzales will also have to do 200 hours of community service and pay $20,000 in restitution.
KGUN9 reached out to the family, who was visibly saddened by the ruling. They did not want to comment.
