Monterey man sentenced to 12 years in state prison for child molestation
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) UPDATE MARCH 14, 2022 at 11:29 p.m.-- A man convicted of child molestation and sexual battery in January has been sentenced to 12 years in state prison on Monday, according to Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni.
Anthony Castillo, 38, has to also register as a sex offender for life.
His victim testified against Castillo, a close family friend, who had molested her many times over a five-year period beginning when she was 14.
She said she waited to report Castillo because she loved him and was embarrassed.
"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," said the DA.
ORIGINAL STORY
Monterey County jury found 38-year-old Anthony Castillo guilty of child molestation and sexual battery on Friday, Jan. 7.
A victim, who was 14-years-old at the time, reported Castillo had molested her many times over 5 years, according to the Monterey District Attorney's Office. Castillo was a close family friend, and the victim said she waited to report him because she said she loved Castillo and was embarrassed.
Castillo was arrested in February 2020 after a juvenile reported he abused their mother, according to Salinas Police. He was charged with kidnapping, lewd and lascivious acts with a child and continuous sexual abuse of a child.
Castillo will be sentenced on Feb. 4. He faces up to 14 years and 8 months in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. He was found guilty of three counts of lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14, four counts of lewd or lascivious acts on a child 14 or 15, and five counts of sexual battery.
