ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)- The man who owns the Rio Rancho home where a six-year-old girl was killed has pleaded guilty in a separate case that also involves a minor.
During the investigation into the death Ariana Romeo last fall, investigators learned Winston Scates had molested a different young girl in the home. Friday court, Scates pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
Scates’ plea agreement lowers his maximum jail time to four years. His trial, in this case, is set for August.
Related Coverage:
- Homeowner accused of child sex crime years before 6-year-old’s death
- Suspect in Rio Rancho girl’s murder to stay behind bars until trial
