Wichita Man Convicted of Raping Underage Girl

Jury deliberated for an hour before finding Yulder Valencia-Diaz guilty of multiple felony charges.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 31-year-old Wichita man, Yulder Valencia-Diaz, has been convicted by a Sedgwick County jury of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and interfering with a law enforcement investigation. The charges stem from the sexual abuse of an underage teenage girl that was reported to 911 and Wichita police in November 2024.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse of minors and the importance of victims coming forward to report these crimes. The convictions will require Valencia-Diaz to serve mandatory prison time and register as a sex offender for life, underscoring the serious consequences for such offenses.

The details

Jurors deliberated for about an hour before finding Valencia-Diaz guilty of the charges. Under Kansas law, the convictions for rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child carry mandatory prison sentences and require the defendant to register as a sex offender for life. Valencia-Diaz was on parole for other crimes, including attempted aggravated burglary and aggravated intimidation of a witness or victim, when the girl reported the sexual assault.

  • The girl reported the sexual abuse to 911 and Wichita police in November 2024.
  • Valencia-Diaz is scheduled for sentencing on March 27, 2026 before District Judge Kathleen Watson.

The players

Yulder Valencia-Diaz

A 31-year-old Wichita man who was convicted of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and interfering with a law enforcement investigation.

Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutor's office that secured the convictions against Valencia-Diaz.

District Judge Kathleen Watson

The judge who will sentence Valencia-Diaz on March 27, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Under Kansas law, the convictions for rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child carry mandatory prison sentences and require the defendant to register as a sex offender for life.”

— Lyndsee Stover, Spokeswoman, Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office (kansas.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Valencia-Diaz's sentencing on March 27, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse of minors and the importance of victims coming forward to report these crimes. The convictions and mandatory sentencing requirements underscore the serious consequences for such offenses.