Salinas woman convicted of molesting teen boy violates probation

A Salinas woman who was convicted of having sex with a 14-year-old boy, violated the terms of her probation by having password protected devices at her home, Monterey County District Attorney D. Flippo said Friday.

Anette Banda pleaded guilty in March 2014, to four felony counts of lewd acts on a 14-year-old boy, over a four-year period.

Superior Court Judge Richard Curtis suspended a prison term of 5 years and 8 months and put Banda on five years’ probation, including a year in jail. She was ordered to register as a sex offender and is prohibited from using password encryption on any electronic device in her possession or control.

Investigators said Banda sent text messages, emails and nude photos to the victim.

Investigators from Monterey County Sheriff’s Office checked Banda’s home and said they found three password protected devices.

Judge Carie Panetta found that Banda had violated the terms and conditions of probation and committed perjury on the witness stand. Banda was remanded into the custody of the Sheriff’s Office to await sentencing.

Sentencing is set for May 23. Banda faces a possible sentence of five years and eight months in prison.