A 44-year-old man from Ventura County is now facing more than 300 years to life in prison after he was convicted for the extensive sexual abuse and molestation of multiple children.
Prosecutors for Ventura County said that in May 2020, a six-year-old child had told her mother about being molested multiple times by then-40-year-old Jesus Andrew Sapien. The molestation allegedly happened over many months. The child and the mother later approached detectives with the Port Hueneme Police Department.
During the investigation, prosecutors said two other children came forward and accused Sapien of repeated sexual abuse, according to a news release from the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. The prosecutors did not disclose the ages of the other victims. However, they noted that Sapien gained access to all three children through a "familial relationship."
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jesus Andrew Sapien (DOB 12/20/79), of Port Hueneme, was convicted by a jury of 13 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child.
— Ventura County District Attorney's Office (@VenturaCountyDA) August 13, 2024
“I commend the victims for their extraordinary courage in standing up to their abuser and telling… pic.twitter.com/CDWiw9vYyU
What Was Sapien Convicted Of?
In a hearing, a jury convicted Sapien of 13 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child. Additionally, the jury found true all sex crimes aggravating circumstances and special allegations in the case, including that all victims were under the age of 14, that the victims were vulnerable, that he engaged in substantial sexual conduct, and that Sapien took advantage of a position of trust.
"I commend the victims for their extraordinary courage in standing up to their abuser and telling the truth," Deputy District Attorney Benjamin Moreno, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney's Office Sexual Assault Unit and prosecutor in the case, said in a statement.
"Their unwavering bravery has led to justice being served today. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the jury for their careful consideration of the emotional evidence. I hope that this verdict provides the victims with a sense of closure as they continue their journey towards healing," Moreno added.
Sapien is scheduled to attend a sentencing hearing on Sept. 10 at the Ventura County Superior Court. If convicted, he may face up to 325 years to life in state prison. Sapien is currently being held in police custody without bail.
