Porterville Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Rape, Elder Abuse

Yesterday in Department 17 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, Kory Tapia, age 41, was sentenced to 136 years-to-life in prison. On October 10, 2018, Tapia was convicted of two counts of forcible rape, two counts of forcible oral copulation, one count of sexual penetration by a foreign object, one count of elder abuse, one count of false imprisonment of an elder, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, and one count of possession of child pornography. The charges were enhanced with special allegations of burglary with the intent to commit a sex offense and use of a deadly weapon.

At approximately 2:50 am on October 29, 2016, Porterville Police Department officers were dispatched to the 87-year-old female victim’s residence for a report of rape. It was discovered that the victim had been sleeping when Tapia entered her bedroom and began rubbing his genitals on her. When she awoke, he took off her clothes, forced her to orally copulate him, and raped her. During the assault Tapia forcefully placed a pillow over the victim’s face. Angered when the victim fought back, he punched her in the face and raped her again. Finished with the sexual assaults, Tapia told the victim not to tell anyone and left.

Through DNA left at the scene, the California Department of Justice obtained a CODIS match on Tapia. He was arrested by police on November 22, 2016. Tapia has multiple convictions, including misdemeanor lewd conduct and peeking for a 2007 incident.

In addition to his sentence, Tapia must register as a sex offender for life.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Erica Gonzalez and investigated by Detective Orlando Ortiz of the Porterville Police Department.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494