Husband and Wife Sentenced for Crimes against Children
On November 20, 2025, in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the court sentenced Pauline Penaloza, age 54, to 4 years in prison for child abuse. Her husband, Jesus Penaloza, 50, was sentenced to life in prison in September 2025.
In late February 2019, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of child abuse. Through investigation, it was discovered that since 2017, Pauline Penaloza had frequently abused three minor victims, including biting, scratching, pulling hair, and hitting them with objects causing bruising and bleeding. The victims were instructed to lie about their injuries. Pauline Penaloza was arrested and released by the court on her own recognizance. In September 2025, she pleaded no contest to three felony counts of child abuse and one felony count of dissuading a witness.
In March 2019, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of child sexual abuse at the hands of Pauline’s husband Jesus Penaloza. Through investigation, it was determined that Jesus Penaloza sexually assaulted three minor female victims between 2009 to 2019 in Visalia. Two of the three victims were also charged victims of his wife’s physical abuse. In July 2025, Jesus Penaloza pleaded no contest to four felony counts of child molestation and one felony count of possession of child or youth pornography. Jesus Penaloza must serve 25 years before being considered for parole and must register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Alizabeth Ramirez and was investigated by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494