By Gabriel Eskandari
WOODLAND, CA. – During a sentencing hearing in Yolo County Superior Court this week for a man who pleaded no contest to felony unlawful sex with a minor charge and a felony assault with intent to commit a felony charge, two victim statements were read aloud in the courtroom.
Prior to the statements being read, Deputy District Attorney David Robbins requested no-contact protective orders for each of the victims for a 10-year period. Defense Attorney Gilbert Vega did not object, and Judge David Rosenberg signed the orders.
Judge Rosenberg then welcomed the victim statements, saying, “I think it’s important for victims to have their opportunity to say what’s in their hearts.”
The first victim, who was present in the courtroom, spoke for three minutes recounting her trauma and the effects of the defendant’s actions toward her: “My mind can be my worst enemy at times, but my mind did not do these things to me. My mind did not lie to me about his age, he did. My mind did not touch me when I did not wish to be touched, he did. My mind did not hurt me, he did.”
She finished her statement by saying, “Because of him, I live in a constant state of fear. Because of him, I can’t sleep at night. And because of him, my life can no longer be the same.”
“Thank you for those thoughts, it’s really good that you have good friends and family, and I do hope you find peace,” Judge Rosenberg stated.
Due to technical difficulties, DDA Robbins read the second victim’s statement on her behalf, recounting the effects that the events have had on her life.
“[The defendant] is a danger to not only me, but many young girls in the world,” wrote the second victim, “He’s a danger to children and deserves to be locked away…Last I heard he was living in the same city as me which does not make me feel safe. I could turn the corner at any waking moment and see his face. That’s horrifying.”
DDA Robbins also read a statement from the second victim’s mother, which echoed the trauma that was stated in the daughter’s statement.
“Thank you, very powerful statement on behalf of [the second victim], I appreciate that,” said Judge Rosenberg.
Defense Attorney Vega asked the court to follow the probation’s recommendation for his client’s sentencing, but asked the court to consider 270 days rather than 364 days of custody. He also noted that his client has asked for a turn-in date sometime after the holidays.
DDA Robbins argued against deviating from the original custody time suggestion in the probation report, given the significant trauma the victims displayed.
Regarding a later surrender date, DDA Robbins said he did not have an objection, but said this only after reminding the court that the accused person has pled to very serious charges, will be a convicted sex offender for the rest of his life, and is facing significant prison time should he violate probation.
“The victims’ statements were very profound and were spoken from the heart. [He] took their youth and innocence and directly impacted their lives…(his) actions will directly impact his life as well,” Judge Rosenberg said.
“I do believe these young women are strong and they will get past this, they have to get past this, and with support of their families and friends they will,” Judge Rosenberg went on, “But there are scars there that will be there for the rest of their lives. And [the defendant], a predator, did this to them, and he’s going to have to face the consequences, and he will.”
Judge Rosenberg implemented the plea agreement of the parties.
Regarding the assault with intent to commit felony charge, the defendant received six years of formal felony probation, as well as 364 days in custody as recommended with eight days of credit. Judge Rosenberg said he would stay 100 days of this sentence, pending successful completion of probation.
Regarding the felony unlawful sex with a minor charge, the defendant received two years of formal felony probation, as well as 180 days in custody with 12 days of credit.
These are consecutive sentences.
Judge Rosenberg gave the defendant a turn-in date of Jan. 5 at 9 a.m. Or, he should have worked out alternatives with the sheriff by that date if alternatives are available.
