A 44-year-old Ventura County man is facing 325 years to life in prison after a jury convicted him on 13 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child, authorities announced Monday.
Prosecutors said that in May 2020, a 6-year-old victim of Jesus Andrew Sapien disclosed to her mother and, later, detectives with the Port Hueneme Police Department, that then 40-year-old had molested her several times over many months, a news release from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office stated.
During the investigation, two additional children came forward and reported repeated sexual abuse by Sapien, who had gained access to the victims through a family relationship.
In their decision against Sapien, the jury found also found the defendant guilty of aggravating circumstances and special allegations that included the three victims were under the age of 14, that they were vulnerable, and that Sapien engaged in substantial abuse of the victims.
“I commend the victims for their extraordinary courage in standing up to their abuser and telling the truth,” Deputy DA Benjamin Moreno, who prosecuted the case, said. “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.”
Sapien, who remains in custody without bail, is scheduled to be sentenced in September in Ventura County Superior Court.