Denver man sentenced to over 100 years in prison for abusing his stepdaughter

DENVER – A Denver man has been sentenced to more than 100 years in prison for sexually abusing his stepdaughter for four years.

Dion Neal, 45, was found guilty in June of nine counts of sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust as part of a series of abuse cases, according to the Denver District Attorney's Office.

The investigation began in July 2022 after the victim stated in his affidavit that her stepfather Neal “touched her and had sexual intercourse with her.”

The abuse began in December 2018 “with fondling and the use of sex toys” and progressed to vaginal intercourse and oral sex, according to court documents. Prosecutors said the victim was 6 years old when the first incident occurred.

Neal was sentenced to 164 years to life in prison, prosecutors announced Monday.

“I am very pleased with the sentence imposed by Judge Bauman, which should ensure that Mr. Neal can never again harm a young child. My heart breaks for the victim of these heinous crimes and I hope that in time she can overcome the horrific trauma she has endured. I also want to recognize the incredible courage the victim showed in coming forward and testifying against Mr. Neal,” Denver District Attorney McCann said in a statement. “I want to thank the prosecutors, investigators and victim advocates from my office, as well as the Denver Police Department detectives whose outstanding work led to the successful resolution of this case.”