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Sexual assault suspect injures himself before sentencing

A judge will again try to sentence former elementary school teacher Gilbert Trujillo on Wednesday

<p>Gilbert Trujillo</p>

A judge sentenced a former elementary school teacher convicted of molesting students to 25 years to life in prison on Wednesday. 

Gilbert Trujillo was found guilty in February of sexually assaulting underage girls for years while he taught at Dupont Elementary school in Adams County.

He was convicted of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust; sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, pattern of abuse; a criminal attempt to commit sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust; and a criminal attempt to commit sexual assault on a child.

Allegations against Trujillo include touching girls inappropriately, lavishing them with expensive gifts, and writing love letters between 2005 and 2010.

RELATED: Adams 14 ignored complaints about suspected pedophile

Trujillo was supposed to be sentenced Tuesday, but hurt himself before that could happen.

Judge Robert Kiesnowski Jr. said Trujillo banged his head against a wall, which cut him and required medical attention.

"It’s rather unfortunate that Mr. Trujillo has elected not to be present today and that actually show some degree of humanity and turn and apologize to these children," he said.

“In the 15 years that I’ve been with this office, I have never had somebody not show up for their own sentencing," said Yvette Guthrie, Senior Deputy District Attorney of the 17th Judicial District.

The mother of one of the victims said this has stayed with her daughter throughout her childhood and that she will likely need counseling for the rest of her life.

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