Authorities describe a troubling case involving Cristóbal LC, known locally as Toba, a fruit seller from Valdeavero in Madrid. Prosecutors allege he coerced a 12-year-old and sexually assaulted a minor, using threats to keep the victims silent. In the official records, the narrative centers on how he manipulated vulnerable youths by offering candy and free snacks, exploiting their trust and innocence as a means to pressure them into silence.
According to the case filings, Cristóbal LC faced multiple charges, including corruption of minors and sexual assault of minors under 16. On October 4, a Madrid provincial court sentenced him to a total of 19 years in prison. The verdict allocated 12 years for an assault on a 15-year-old and an additional seven years for two counts of corruption involving minors.
“My son will retaliate”
Documents obtained from the prosecutor’s office reveal a chilling line of intimidation: the suspect warned a victim that if the information was disclosed, he would tell his son and ensure retaliation. The child described an incident at a grocery store where, after luring her with promises, Cristóbal LC forced compliance and exploitation. The adult allegedly displayed explicit material during the encounter, insisting the acts were meant to educate the girl, and the abuse included coercive sexual activity. The report details violent episodes, including sexual acts and other aggressive behavior that left the young survivor emotionally scarred.
Another child testified that the man explicitly pressured secrecy, insisting that revealing the misconduct would have consequences for those who reported him. This minor described repeated abuse, including being coerced into compromising positions in a store setting, with the assailant taking advantage of his stronger physical presence. The girl involved was nine years old at the time of the incidents.
Following inquiries by authorities, the suspect allegedly threatened additional violence against those who spoke out, claiming to have ways to uncover information about the people who reported him. The records indicate a disturbing pattern aimed at silencing witnesses through fear.
“The friend of the children”
The prosecutor’s portrayal of the suspect portrays a familiar pattern of grooming. He purportedly sought out children from Valdeavero and nearby Villalbilla, drawing them in by leveraging a shared parental connection and the semblance of a harmless, friendly neighbor. The accused was described as a charismatic figure who enjoyed playing pranks and giving gifts, cultivating a sense of trust that made his later actions easier to conceal. Locals even nicknamed him the “friend of the children” due to his apparent kindness.
Within the stores he frequented, he allegedly greeted children with familiar warmth and, at times, inappropriate touches over clothing or comments about their bodies. The accusation describes him exposing himself and manipulating the youngsters in ways that shocked the community. The alleged abuse followed a constant pattern across the testimonies of several victims, many of whom later required psychological support for anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other trauma-related symptoms consistent with childhood sexual abuse.
On liberty
In total, sixteen children filed complaints against Cristóbal LC for offenses related to the events, most of which occurred in the summer of 2020. A magistrate initially ordered him held in temporary detention in Alcalá de Henares, but he was released roughly ten months later under conditions intended to mitigate risk. The ruling cited a lack of risk of flight or recidivism, with measures including weekly court appearances, travel restrictions, and prohibitions on entering the town of Valdeavero or leaving Spain altogether. A restraining order was also issued, preventing contact with ten of the minors who testified against him. Public demonstrations gathered in Valdeavero as families and residents voiced concern and sought accountability, with some residents expressing outrage through graffiti and street presence.
Meanwhile, the Madrid Provincial Court has also announced a separate sentence for Cristóbal LC in a different case, awarding him a sentence totaling 19 years. The Valdeavero case involving the local children has been scheduled for October 2024, with prosecutors seeking extended penalties well into double digits. Legal representatives highlighted the stark contrast between those seeking justice for the victims and the broader community’s call for safety and accountability.