Southern California child molester faces 325 years to life in prison

A 44-year-old Ventura County man was convicted by a jury of 13 felony counts of indecent acts with a child and faces a possible sentence of 325 years to life in prison, authorities announced Monday.

According to a press release from the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, prosecutors said that in May 2020, a 6-year-old girl who was the victim of Jesus Andrew Sapien, confessed to her mother and later to a Port Hueneme Police Department detective that Sapien, who was 40 at the time, had sexually abused her multiple times over a period of several months.

During the investigation, two additional children came forward and reported repeated sexual abuse by Sapien, who had access to the victims through family relationships.

In sentencing Sapien, the jury also found the defendants guilty of aggravated felony and special charges, including that the three victims were under the age of 14, making them vulnerable, and that Sapien had engaged in severe abuse of the victims.

“We commend the extraordinary courage of the victims who stood up to their perpetrators and told the truth,” said Deputy District Attorney Benjamin Moreno, who prosecuted the case. “Their unwavering courage led to justice being served today, and we are sincerely grateful to the jury who carefully considered the emotional evidence. We hope this verdict gives the victims some closure and encourages them to continue on their path to healing.”

Sapien, who is being held without bail, is scheduled to be sentenced in Ventura County Superior Court in September.