Porterville Man Convicted of Child Molestation
On Friday, March 3, 2023, in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, TCDA prosecutors secured a guilty verdict against Natharan Giovanni Ruiz, age 30, for child molestation against four separate victims. At trial, the jury found Ruiz guilty of one count of oral copulation with a minor under the age of ten, eleven counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of fourteen, and one count of contacting a minor. The jury also found true the special allegation of substantial sexual conduct and that his crimes were committed against multiple victims. Each count is a felony, and twelve counts are considered strike offenses.
- Six of the crimes occurred between April 5, 2012, and April 4, 2017, against a female victim, who was between the ages of nine and thirteen at the time of the sexual assaults.
- Two of the crimes occurred between November 8, 2011, and November 7, 2012, against a female victim, who was ten years old at the time of the sexual assaults.
- Two of the crimes occurred between June 1, 2011, and January 1, 2015, against a female victim, who was between the ages of nine and thirteen years old at the time of the sexual assaults.
- Three of the crimes occurred between November 23, 2015, and December 1, 2015, against a female victim, who was nine years old at the time of the sexual assaults.
The sexual assault crimes occurred in the Porterville and Lindsay areas.
Sentencing is set for May 3, 2023, in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, where Ruiz faces 154 years to life in state prison. Ruiz will also be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Wayt and was investigated by 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