Skip to main content

San Ardo Man Found Guilty of 16 Count of Child Molestation

 

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on March 20

that on March 15, 43-year-old Angel Rojas Lugos of San Ardo, was found guilty by

a Monterey County jury of 2 counts of oral copulation on a child 10 years old or under, and 14

counts of forcible lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14 years of age. All 16 of the charges are

violent felonies and are considered “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes law. The Honorable

Jennifer J. O’Keefe presided over the trial.

Jane Doe reported that Angel Lugos, a family member, molested her many times over a 2 year

period. Jane Doe was under 10 years old at the time the molestation began. Jane Doe stated she

waited to report the molestation because she was afraid she would be get in trouble and that she

would not be believed.

At trial, Jane Doe bravely testified about the repeated instances of molestation that occurred. An

expert in the psychological effects of child sexual abuse also testified that delayed disclosures of

molestation are incredibly common due to numerous factors including: the power imbalance

between the perpetrator and victim, threats to not say anything, fear, and even affection for a

perpetrator if he/she is a close family member, friend, or authority figure.

The case was investigated by Detective Rosy Silva and other deputies from the Monterey County

Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney Investigator Pablo Andrade. The victim in this case was

assisted by District Attorney Victim Advocate Estella Sanchez.

The Honorable Jennifer J. O’Keefe will sentence Lugos on April 27, 2023. He faces a maximum of

170 years to life in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau.   Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass.   CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try t...

Suspect Vehicle in King City Quadruple Homicide on March 3 Has Been Located

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the King City Police Department is informing the community that the suspect vehicle involved in a quadruple homicide that occurred Sunday, March 3 on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, has been located and recovered.  The vehicle was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County. The King City Police Department is receiving assistance from multiple local and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. Based on the nature of this investigation, no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time.   The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the King City PD are asking the community for their assistance in reporting any information they may know regarding this incident which tragically left 4 people dead and 7 people injured, two with critical injuries. Information can be provided by contacting the following: King City Detective Sergeant Jos...

King City Man Arrested on January 6 for Rape, Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Kidnapping

  According to King City Police Department, on December 30, 2024 a 17-year-old minor female victim reported that she had attended a party on the 100 Block of Bedford Circle on December 24, 2024. During the party, the suspect provided her with alcohol. He then pulled the victim into a bedroom, forcibly removed her clothing and had sexual intercourse with her against her will. This case was investigated by the King City Police Department Investigations Unit which resulted in the apprehension and arrest on January 6, 2025 of the suspect identified as 21-year-old Jesus Oseguera Briseno of King City. Briseno was also booked into the Monterey County Jail charged with Rape, Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Kidnapping. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the King City Police Department at (844) 844-3382; Sergeant Josh Partida (831) 385-4848 or jpartida@kingcity.com; or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. Your call may remain completely ano...