People v. Jose Raya-Hernandez
updated: Feb 19, 2013, 4:09 PM

Source: Santa Barbara District Attorney

Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley announced today that Jose Raya-Hernandez, age 42, was sentenced to a total term of 158 years to life for committing nine acts of child molestation on three victims in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. This sentence follows a jury's verdict of guilt on nine counts of child molestation and a multiple victim enhancement.

The crimes were solved though the joint efforts of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office. Additionally, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office cooperated in allowing for venue for the crimes that occurred in the City of Ventura to be prosecuted in the County of Santa Barbara.

In reaction to this sentence, Prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Benjamin Ladinig stated, "Without the bravery of the three young ladies who heroically testified against a family member, the defendant would have never been brought to justice. The verdict and sentence is a testament to the victims in this case, as well as other victims of child molestation."

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