Tulare Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Violent Crimes Against Children

Today in Department 3 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, the court sentenced Kenneth Robertson, age 39, to life in prison for crimes against children.

In July 2025, Robertson pleaded no contest to crimes in two separate cases.

VCF451038 – On October 27, 2023, Tulare Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence regarding an infant who was not breathing. After being triaged at a local hospital, the infant was transported to Valley Children’s in critical condition. Doctors reported bruising on the infant was likely caused by trauma consistent with hitting or squeezing. The infant received emergency surgery for brain bleeding. Through investigation and witness accounts, it was discovered Robertson violently shook the child and threatened to kill a minor witness to the incident.

In this case, Robertson pleaded no contest to one count of child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death, and one count of dissuading a witness.

VCF448950 – During the investigation of the above incident in November 2023, a 13-year-old victim came forward to report significant sexual abuse at the hands of Robertson since she was 8 years old.

In this case, Robertson pleaded no contest to two counts of forcible lewd act upon a child under 14, and two counts of lewd act upon a child under 14.

Cumulatively, the court sentenced Robertson to 32 years, 8 months to life in prison. In addition, he must register as a sex offender for life.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Chelsea Wayt and was investigated by the Tulare Police Department.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Communications Director Stuart Anderson (559) 636-5494