Porterville Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Child Molestation

Today in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Gary Paden sentenced Johnny Vega, age 25, of Porterville, to 33 years-to-life in prison for child molestation. Vega will also be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

On May 8, 2018, Vega pleaded no contest to two counts of digital penetration of a child under ten-years-old and one count of lewd act upon a child under the age of fourteen. Each count is a felony and considered strike offenses.

The crimes occurred between March 7, 2016, and June 30, 2017, against two female victims. One victim was between the ages of four and six-years-old at the time of the sexual assaults. The second victim was between the ages of seven and eight-years-old at the time of the sexual assaults.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Wayt of the Crimes against Children Division and investigated by Sergeant Wayne Martin of the Porterville Police Department.

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