Convicted Tulare Child Molester Sentenced to Life in Prison

Today in Department 5 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Joseph Kalashian sentenced John Weece, age 60, of Tulare, to 510 years and eight months-to-life in prison for child molestation.

On December 20, 2017, a jury found Weece guilty of three counts of sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of ten, six counts of oral copulation with a minor under the age of ten, three counts of digital penetration of a minor under the age of ten, 29 counts of forcible lewd act upon a child under the age of fourteen, two counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of fourteen and one count of using a minor for sex acts. The jury also found true the special allegation of substantial sexual conduct. Each count is a felony and 43 of the counts are strike offenses.

Forty-one of the crimes occurred between August 9, 2013 and February 20, 2016 against a female victim, who was between six and eight years old at the time of the sexual assaults. The other three crimes occurred between May 27, 2008 and December 31, 2011 against two separate female victims, who were between the ages of nine and twelve at the time of the sexual assaults. All 44 crimes occurred in various locations within the county.

“The victims in this case showed incredible courage by coming to court and reliving those experiences in front of a jury. Their courage and strength ensuredthat this predator cannot harm again,” said District Attorney Tim Ward.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Wayt of the Crimes against Children Division and investigated by Detective Florence Cotton of theTulare County Sheriff’s Office and Investigator Khoua Lopez of the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations.

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