Escalera pleads guilty to sexually abusing, supplying fentanyl to victims

Abraham Escalera, a 41-year-old Chelan man, received a 15-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to sexually abusing minors and supplying them with fentanyl. Chelan County Superior Court Judge Robert Jourdan sentenced Escalera to 171 months for three felony charges, including promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor and delivery of narcotics to a minor. Prosecutors noted that Escalera could have faced life imprisonment had he opted for trial. The survivors, aged 15 and 13 at the time of the abuse, have suffered ongoing trauma that has severely impacted their mental health and personal relationships. Law enforcement discovered explicit photos of the victims on Escalera's phone during the investigation.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Micaela Meadows highlighted the challenge of balancing justice with the well-being of the survivors in such cases. Escalera's actions have left lasting scars on the victims, who now face daily struggles with anxiety, fear, and distrust. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in prosecuting sexual abuse cases against minors.