A Marrero man was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Wednesday (Oct. 12), for his conviction of sitting young girls on his lap in his home and touching them inappropriately.

Ricky Gros, 51, was convicted Sept. 14 of two counts of sexual battery of a juvenile under age 13 and of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Both victims were 7 years old when the abuse began in 2006. The abuse continued for approximately four years.

Gros, who was acquainted with both girls, touched them inappropriately in his James Drive home, according to evidence presented during the trial. One of the victims testified that Gros had them sit on his lap as he sat on his sofa, where he gave them bubble gum before putting his hand in their pants.

The victims disclosed the abuse more than one year after the last incident occurred in 2009. Upon learning of the allegations, the mother of one of the victims notified the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in October 2010.

In a letter she wrote to the court as impact testimony, that victim expressed the shame and harmful effects she endured as a result of Gros’ behavior.

Judge June Berry Darensburg of the 24th Judicial District Court, who presided over the trial, sentenced Gros to 10 years in prison for the first count of sexual battery, 25 years for the second sexual battery count and 10 years for the indecent behavior with a juvenile count. She ran the sentences concurrently.

Gros also faces a lifetime of sex offender registration after he completes his prison sentence.

Assistant District Attorneys Josh Vanderhooft and Blair Constant prosecuted the case.