A Madras man who had already been serving 12 years for attempted aggravated murder was sentenced this week to an additional four years in prison after a court found him guilty of sexually abusing two sisters over multiple years.
Josue Jair Mendoza-Melo was sentenced on two counts of first-degree sexual abuse of sisters Jasmine and Ivanna Hernandez-Zelaya. Nine other charges were dismissed as part of the resolution. Restitution terms have not yet been set. He must also register as a sex offender and is prohibited from any contact with either victim.
Mendoza-Melo is currently serving a 12-year sentence for attempted aggravated murder and criminal mistreatment of a 2-year-old boy, with a release date set for 2029. With the new sentence added, he will likely remain incarcerated until at least 2033.
Survivors Speak
Both sisters gave victim impact statements before sentencing — moments that underscored the lasting harm caused by abuse and the courage it takes to speak publicly.
Jasmine Hernandez-Zelaya described the years of silence she kept because Mendoza-Melo had been close to her older brothers.
"I hope you never hurt another girl again, or anybody again. To all the survivors out there, I promise your life will be better than before. You might feel sad or maybe even mad at first. But use all that energy and convert it into the biggest motivation to be alive and focus on your dreams."
She also described a period of struggle following the arrest, including substance use and a hospitalization, before finding her way forward. "This idiot ruined my life," she said. "But I know God has His plans."
Jasmine encouraged others who have experienced abuse not to stay silent: "Keeping that a secret for a long time can really mess you up as time goes by."
Her sister Ivanna also gave a statement, adding her own account of the impact the abuse had on her life.
The case stretched across multiple years in the Jefferson County court system before reaching this week's sentencing. The outcome closes a chapter for the Hernandez-Zelaya family, though the sisters were clear that healing is ongoing.