“I just apologize, and never see me again here,” said Mendoza. 

The offense occurred between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2023, when Mendoza molested the victim, a 15-year-old girl, who is identified only as a minor. He was arrested on Dec. 19, 2023, after undergoing a forensic interview and a polygraph examination. Mendoza was booked on one count of child molestation, according to the probable cause statement issued by the court. 

Nicole Northup, deputy county attorney at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, was the plaintiff in the case and recommended the state's sentencing decision. 

“The state is recommending the decision of registration on one year to see how he was doing on probation,” Northup said, on behalf of the state of Arizona. 

Phoenix police officers responded to a molestation call from a minor who alleged she had been molested by her stepfather. Mendoza was brought in for questioning and later participated in interviews and a polygraph examination. 

Initially, Mendoza denied the allegations of inappropriately touching the victim in her room and attempting to get into bed with her. However, after the polygraph examination, Mendoza admitted to touching her vaginal area a few months ago while intoxicated, according to the probable cause statement. 

There were several changes made to the initial plea agreement following the settlement conference. Mark Mendoza, the defendant's attorney, said there had been a delay in the sentencing hearing because he had been in and out of court for other matters, and that he appreciated the court's patience. 

“I appreciate the state. They did change the plea offer a little bit during the settlement conference,” Mark Mendoza said. “And my client is looking forward to the probation.” 

The victim’s mother and Mendoza’s wife chose not to make any statements to the court to maintain a neutral stance. 

The plea agreement involved Mendoza avoiding inclusion on the sex offender registry and reducing the severity of the crime committed from one count of child molestation. The court

recommended one year of treatment and programs, with a decision to be made at the next hearing on Nov. 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. 

“Adult probation will require you to go through a series of analyses and evaluations and some other things and then they are going to make the recommendation as to the registration,” said Judge Joseph Keifer. 

Mendoza has been given a list of rules to follow before the next hearing. He is not to be near the victim, has lost his firearm rights, is prohibited from living in the same house as the victim—who is currently staying with her aunt—and is not allowed at the scene of the crime, among many other restrictions.