Tulare Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Child Molestation

Today in Department 5 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Joseph Kalashian sentenced Mario Baeza, age 33, of Tulare, to 25 years-to- life in prison for child molestation. Baeza will also be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

On July 24, 2018, Baeza pleaded no contest as charged in the criminal information. The charges included three counts of digital penetration of a child under ten-years-old and eight counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of fourteen. Baeza also admitted the special allegations of substantial sexual conduct and that the crimes included multiple victims. Each count is a felony and considered strike offenses.

The crimes occurred between July 9, 2013, and January 1, 2017, against two female victims. One victim was between the ages of six and nine at the time of the sexual assaults. The other victim was between the ages of eight and twelve-years- old at the time of the sexual assaults.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Wayt of the Crimes against Children Division and investigated by Detective Jose Esparza of the Tulare 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