TCDA Prosecutors Secure Second Denial of Parole for Child Predator

On August 20, 2026, via video conference, TCDA prosecutors secured a 3-year denial of parole for Ernie Sedillo, age 75. Sedillo is currently serving a life sentence for crimes against children at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla.

In April 1997, Sedillo assaulted a seven-year-old female victim at his home while he worked as a church youth coordinator in Visalia. Prior to that, he assaulted a 15-year-old female victim at his home in Ivanhoe while he worked as a youth counselor in January 1996.

In November 1997, Sedillo was found guilty of four counts of lewd act on a child under the age of 14 and two counts of misdemeanor child molestation. The crimes constituted Sedillo’s third “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law, as he possessed two prior strikes for robbery. He was sentenced in April 1998 to 25 years-to-life in prison.

This was Sedillo’s second parole hearing. Factors in his unsuitability for release included his lack of remorse and a denial of his conduct, and his ongoing risk to public safety.

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