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Child abuse experts analyze Harlingen Amber Alert case
Posted: 05.24.2010 at 10:47 PM
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A 34-year-old man remains behind bars under child sex abuse charges.

Police say Ernesto Galvan's victim is a 12-year-old girl.

New documents released on Monday reveal an intimate relationship between the two that sparked an Amber Alert two weeks ago.  

The affidavit gives an insight into the alleged relationship between 34-year-old Ernesto Galvan and a 12-year-old.

The documents reveal the girl told police, "Ernesto was the only person who ever really loved her," and that she and Galvan were in love and wanted to live together for the rest of their lives.

Action 4 News sat down with Sara Munguia, a child forensic interviewer with Estrella's House in Hidalgo County to get more insight into why such a young girl would be have this kind of relationship with an older man. 

Munguia says, "They honestly believe that if you break them apart that's going to finish their world.."

The 12-year-old allegedly told police she and Galvan were sexually active.

"The child honestly thinks that this person is there to take care of them," Munguia said.

Munguia says to the alleged pedophiles it's all about gaining the victim's trust.

"This person has groomed them in such a way that there's trust, and they have gained the child's trust, giving them the trust to be there, to be an ear," Munguia said.

Munguia said suspects in cases like this will sometimes entice victims with material things and build up their confidence.

"The attention, and the relationship," she said.

In this case, the alleged relationship was short-lived.

For now Ernesto Galvan remains behind bars on charges of enticing and aggravated sexual assault of a child.

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