Spanish tour guide manuel blanco vela sentenced to 9 years for sexually assaulting american students

Manuel Blanco Vela, a Spanish tour guide, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting three American students while leading student trips through his company Discover Excursions. The conviction followed years of allegations from numerous women who said they were attacked by Blanco Vela during the trips, often after being given alcohol and isolated from others.

Survivors speak out, bring justice

One of the key witnesses, Gabrielle Vega, spoke publicly about her own assault in 2013 at the age of 19. She recalled being given drinks by Blanco Vela and then waking up with him inside her, saying she felt 'unreal' and 'couldn't stand up.' Vega suffered PTSD and was unable to complete her studies due to the trauma.

After appearing on the TODAY show in 2021, Vega connected with over 30 other women who described similar experiences with Blanco Vela. These accounts helped bring wider attention to the allegations and led to a criminal investigation.

Jurors condemn blanco vela's crimes

In January 2025, a Spanish court found Blanco Vela guilty on multiple counts of sexual assault. The nine-year prison sentence was handed down based on the testimony of Vega and other survivors, as well as evidence collected during the investigation.

For Gabrielle Vega, the conviction was a long-overdue victory. Her lawyer, Mark Eiglarsh, praised her 'courage and perseverance,' saying her bravery had not only brought justice but also protected countless other women from enduring similar nightmares.