Porterville Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Multiple Sex Crimes
Yesterday in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, the court sentenced Erwin McDarment, age 37, to life in prison for multiple sex crimes. McDarment was also sentenced on other felony charges.
In December 2025, McDarment pleaded no contest to crimes in two separate cases.
VCF374047A- In September 2018, the Tulare County Sheriff’s office was contacted to investigate ongoing sexual abuse of a child. A 14-year-old victim came forward to report significant sexual abuse at the hands of McDarment since she was seven years old. In May 2020, McDarment posted $400,000 bail and was released from custody.
McDarment pleaded no contest to one count of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 and one count of forcible rape of a child 14 years old or younger. Both counts are felonies and are considered strike offenses.
PCF454295- In May 2024, Porterville Police Department officers responded to a residence regarding a report of domestic violence. Upon arrival, McDarment fled the scene in his vehicle. McDarment failed to yield officers during a traffic stop, cutting off vehicles, driving over the speed limit and running multiple stop signs and traffic signals. Ultimately, McDarment reached the Tule River Reservation and officers were unable to locate him on that date. McDarment turned himself in to law enforcement the following day. In June 2025, McDarment posted $1,000,000 bail and was released from custody.
In this case, McDarment pleaded no contest to felony evading and misdemeanor domestic violence.
According to current California sentencing laws, McDarment must serve 25 years in prison prior to parole consideration. 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 County Sheriff’s Office and 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