San Ardo Man Sentenced to 142 Years to Life After Being Found Guilty of 16 Counts of Child Molestation

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, May 19

that the Honorable Jennifer J. O’Keefe sentenced 43-year-old Angel Rojas Lugos of San

Ardo, to 142 years to life in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. On March

15, 2023, a jury found Lugos guilty of two counts of committing oral copulation on a child 10 years

of age or under, and 14 counts of committing forcible lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14

years of age. All 16 counts are violent felonies and are considered “strikes” under California’s

Three Strikes law. In addition to his prison sentence, Lugos is required to register as a sex offender

for life.

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 get in trouble and that no one would believe her.

At the 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 Office as well as District Attorney Investigator Pablo Andrade. The victim in this case

was assisted by District Attorney Victim Advocate Estella Sanchez.