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A Suffolk man was sentenced Thursday to an active sentence of 12 years in the molestations of two girls.

Timothy Jose Ortiz, 30, will also have a suspended sentence of 28 years after he is released from prison.

Ortiz pleaded guilty more than a year ago to molesting the two girls, whom he knew. The incidents happened years apart, but both were between the ages of 9 and 10 at the time of the offense. The younger girl reported the abuse in April 2019.

Ortiz was sentenced on two counts of aggravated sexual battery of a victim under 13, two counts of child cruelty and two counts of indecent liberties in a custodial relationship.

During the sentencing, according to Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Marie Walls, Ortiz admitted to the crimes.

“I did these things,” he said.

One of the victims testified at the sentencing hearing on Thursday. Testimony revealed that one of the victims has been cutting herself, and one had suicidal thoughts, Walls stated.

The girls’ mom and stepdad testified. Two friends of the family testified for the defendant.

Judge Carl E. Eason Jr. stated, “Tragic doesn’t begin to describe the conduct in this case,” according to Walls. “I have to make sure the community knows no one should give a second thought to anyone thinking of sneaking into a young girl’s room at night.”