WATERBURY – A disgraced former state official was sentenced to prison Friday.
Former Department of Motor Vehicles Deputy Commissioner Victor Diaz of Waterbury received eight years in prison plus ten years of special probation after pleading guilty to repeated sexual attacks against a young girl.
Diaz pleaded guilty in June to one count of illegal sexual contact with an underage victim. The plea was part of an agreement with prosecutors that would spare the victim from enduring a difficult trial and having to testify against him. Diaz will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In September of 2014 Diaz was arrested and charged with first degree sexual assault, four counts of fourth degree sexual assault, first degree criminal attempt at sexual assault, second degree unlawful restraint, two counts of second degree sexual assault, second degree criminal attempt at sexual assault, two counts of risk of injury to a minor, and employing a minor in an obscene performance.
He allegedly had sex over a period of at least five years with a victim under the age of 16. The victim said the assaults began when she was in sixth grade.
The warrant states the girl, who is now 15, disclosed that she was being sexually assaulted to friends and told them that she was contemplating suicide.
In a police interview, Diaz denied ever assaulting the girl. The warrant also stated he, “made comments about his career, his six-figure salary, and stated his life is over.”
He resigned after he was arrested, citing personal reasons. He previously earned $115,000 annually and was appointed on February 1, 2011.
