George Rodriguez Recio sentenced to 73 years to life for sexual abuse of four victims

By Staff Report · Thu Aug 27 2026

GROVER BEACH — A Grover Beach man was sentenced to 73 years to life in state prison Aug. 25 after being convicted of sexually abusing four female victims over a period of nearly three decades.

George Rodriguez Recio, 74, was convicted by a San Luis Obispo County jury June 3 of 20 felony counts stemming from the abuse. According to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, the crimes occurred in Grover Beach between 1996 and 2024.

Three of the victims were between 6 and 12 years old when the abuse occurred, while the fourth victim was 25.

Judge Michael Frye sentenced Recio to 73 years to life in state prison and issued a criminal protective order prohibiting him from contacting the victims. Recio was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Three of the victims attended the sentencing hearing and addressed the court about the lasting trauma caused by the abuse. A victim advocate read a statement from the youngest victim.

“This sentence cannot undo the profound harm inflicted on these victims or restore the years of safety and peace that were taken from them,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “But it does ensure that this defendant will be held accountable and no longer be able to victimize others in our community. The courage of these four victims—to come forward, tell the truth, and endure an extraordinarily difficult legal process—made this result possible.”

Dow also praised the victims for coming forward and participating in the legal process.

“I am mad that you betrayed me and my trust. You were my friend," one victim stated. "You were my Tío Pepe. Now you are my worst nightmare. You are the monster behind the closed door. Today, I create my own peace.”

The District Attorney’s Office said confidential support and advocacy are available to survivors of sexual abuse through its Victim Witness Assistance Center and community partners, regardless of whether a survivor is ready to report abuse to law enforcement.