The 32-year-old man was convicted in Coconino County Superior Court on March 3. A jury found Puga guilty of attacking a sleeping woman and attempting to force her to perform oral sex.

Few attempts were made throughout Puga’s trial to challenge the facts of the attack. Instead, the defense called a clinical psychologist to the witness stand. The psychologist testified that Puga may have suffered from a rare sleep condition called “sexomnia.”

An expert witness who also testified during Jodi Arias’ trial said he never did a sleep study to confirm Puga’s sexsomnia diagnosis. He said he showed attributes consistent with personality disorders.

When sentencing Puga on Friday, Judge Stacey Kruger considered the victim’s first-hand statements in the incident, as well as another woman who said Puga assaulted her in 2008.

Although he was not convicted of sexual assault in connection with the 2008 incident, Puga was convicted of attempted kidnapping with sexual motive in her case. She said she felt unbelievable at the time. said.

“Robert is unaware of the emotional pain he has inflicted on me, [the other victim]”No one deserves what happened to us… It’s time Robbie paid for his actions. The victims have paid the price.”

Prior to Puga’s sentencing, the state presented evidence to Judge Kruger showing that he had five previous felony convictions. It included assault, failure to register as a sex offender, stolen credit cards, and buying and selling stolen goods.

All of his previous convictions and the fact that the 2020 assault occurred while Puga was on parole weighed heavily on him, according to the judge.

In this case, a lectern was deployed in court for Puga victims to address the court. She also testified at trial.

“I was sexually assaulted in my sleep. Over the years, I have struggled emotionally and psychologically. I thought I would lose control of my life,” the victim said. She said the process of filing charges and testifying on her behalf was the most difficult thing she had ever had to do. The process was made difficult by COVID delays, she told the court.

Despite the delay, prosecutor Jonathan Mosher said he was impressed by the victim’s power to tell her story, and the victim of the 2008 assault said she had no idea of ​​the actual trial in her case. He said he was further harmed by the delay.

He then highlighted Puga’s repeated actions. He then recalled seeing the victim’s hands trembling in court, seeing firsthand the extent of their emotional wounds.

“I’m not disrespecting 20+ years in prison,” Mosher said. “But when you look at the third victim, how can you say you did your job when you didn’t do yours?”

Puga didn’t speak for himself, but he had a family at court.

Judge Krueger said he considered only two things in recognizing factors that could give Puga a short sentence under the law: the support of Puga’s family and his paid employment.

Both Puga and the victim were drinking on the night of the assault, but the judge said, “His ability to recognize the unlawfulness of his actions was unimpaired.” plug.”

Kruger said he read Puga’s statement in connection with his 2008 incident. “In this case, you said, ‘I drank too much and made a stupid choice.’ I’m surprised there isn’t.”

In addition to serving 22 years in prison, Puga will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. He also owes over $1,250 in damages and fees related to this crime.

Before the court closed, Kruger turned to the victim and said, “I want you to realize how strong you are. You are resilient.

Puga, already fingerprinted, was then placed in the custody of the Department of Corrections.