San Ardo man sentenced to 142 years to life for child molestation
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV)- Update: May 19, 2023, at 3:54 p.m.- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni said that as San Ardo man was sentenced to 142 years to life in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on Friday.
Angel Rojas Lugos, 43, of San Ardo, was found 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. On top of the prison sentence, Lugos will also have to register as a sex offender for life, per Pacioni.
Jane Doe reported that Lugos molested her many times over a two-year period, said Pacioni. Doe was under 10 years old at the time the molestation began. Doe wanted to report the molestation because she was afraid she would get in trouble and that she would not be believed.
ORIGINAL STORY
On Monday morning, Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M Pacioni announced that 43-year-old Angel Rojas Lugos of San Ardo was found guilty of two 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.
Pacioni said that all 16 of the charges are violent felonies and are considered “strikes” under California’s three strikes law.
Jane Doe reported that Lugos molested her many times over a two-year period. Doe was under 10 years old at the time the molestation began. Doe wanted to report the molestation because she was afraid she would get in trouble and that she would not be believed.
During the trial, Jane Doe testified about the repeated incidents 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.
Lugos will be sentenced on April 27, 2023. He is facing a maximum of 170 years to life in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
