Goshen Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Child Molestation

On May 8, 2024, in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, the court sentenced Tony Debem, age 30, to life in prison for child molestation.

Debem was convicted of two felony counts of sexual intercourse or sodomy of a child aged 10 or under and two felony counts of lewd act upon a child by a jury in March 2024. The crimes were committed in December 2023 against a single female minor.

As part of his sentence, Debem is ordered to register as a sex offender for life. According to California sentencing laws, Debem must serve 25 years before parole consideration.

The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Laura Jackson and investigated by Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sarah Mendes.

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