Convicted Child Predator Sentenced to Life in Prison

On November 14, 2024, in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, the court sentenced Jerome Avilez, age 60, of Visalia to 150 years-to-life in prison for child molestation.

On September 3, 2024, Avilez was found guilty on 9 felony counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of 14. The jury also found true that Avilez committed the crimes against multiple victims and that some of the acts constituted substantial sexual conduct. The crimes were committed against three female minors between 2021 and 2022. 

Additionally, the Court found true that Avilez possessed a prior conviction for forcible lewd act upon a child from 1988.

The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Laura Jackson and was investigated by Visalia Police Department Sergeant Andrew Saelee.

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