LANCASTER, Pa. — A Lancaster man who was convicted by jury in October of rape of a child and related charges was sentenced to 38-87 years in prison last Friday by Lancaster County President Judge David Ashworth, the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office said this week.
Miguel Morciglio-Figueroa, 42, of the 300 block of N. Franklin St., was also determined to be a sexually violent predator by a licensed psychologist during the proceeding, prosecutors said.
Ashworth accepted that determination, which carries a lifetime sex offender registration requirement.
“[Morciglio-Figueroa] is an absolute predator,” said Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Baker, who prosecuted the case. “He waited and chose the times when the victim was alone and vulnerable. It’s an appropriate sentence for what he did. He put the victim through nine years of abject hell.”
Baker commended the victim, who is currently enrolled as a full-time college student, stating: “I’m amazed by her and how she isn’t allowing the defendant to define her life," according to an account of the hearing by the DA's Office.
The victim and two other supporters spoke during the proceeding and addressed the defendant.
“You ruined my entire childhood,” the victim said. “But you won’t have the satisfaction of ruining my entire life.”
Three witnesses were called to speak in support of the defendant and defense counsel asked for a sentence of 10-20 years plus a lengthy term of probation.
The defendant did not take the opportunity to speak.
“You have victimized an entire family,” Ashworth said before ordering sentence. “I have not heard any contrition or remorse. There is no mistake that you have committed rape of a child.”
The victim reported the abuse in September 2021 to a social worker which was forwarded to the Lancaster City Bureau of Police.
The abuse started when the victim was 6 and continued until she was 15. The abuse occurred in Lancaster city from 2009 through 2018.
The defendant was found guilty by jury on Oct. 17, 2023, after a two-day trial. Lancaster City Bureau of Police Detective Jared Snader filed charges, was lead investigator, testified and attended the sentencing hearing.
YWCA Lancaster runs a 24-hour sexual assault hotline, 717-392-7273, that connects callers to free, confidential counseling and therapy services for community members impacted by sexual abuse, harassment, or assault.
Lancaster County's designated rape crisis center at the YWCA Lancaster provides no cost counseling and therapy for survivors and significant others impacted by sexual abuse, harassment, or assault.
Contact 717-869-5009 or wehearyou@ywcalancaster.org for more information or to schedule an appointment.
