Tulare Man Found Guilty of Child Molestation
On Friday, April 28, 2023, in Department 10 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, a Tulare County jury found Steven Brian Arey, age 52, of Tulare, guilty of twenty counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of fourteen against three victims. The jury also found true the special allegation of substantial sexual conduct and that his crimes were committed against multiple victims. Each count is a felony and considered strike offenses.
- Eighteen of the crimes occurred between January 1, 1996, and November 1, 2002, against a male victim, who was between the ages of seven and thirteen at the time of the sexual assaults.
- One of the crimes occurred between January 1, 1996, and August 29, 2000, against a female victim, who between the ages of ten and thirteen at the time of the sexual assault.
- One of the crimes occurred between January 1, 1996, and March 5, 2001, against a female victim, who was between the ages of eight and thirteen at the time of the sexual assault.
Each the sexual assault crimes occurred in the City of Tulare. Sentencing is set for May 26, 2023, in Department 10 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, where Arey faces 300 years-to-life in state prison. Arey will also be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Wayt of the Crimes against Children Division and was investigated by Sergeant Matt Muller of the Tulare Police Department.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494