Tulare Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Child Molestation

Today in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the Court sentenced Yovani Martinez, age 33, to 50 years-to-life in prison for child molestation and possession of child pornography.

On May 5, 2021, a jury found Martinez guilty of two counts of digital penetration of a child under the age of ten, six counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of fourteen, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of using a minor for sex acts. The jury also found true the special allegation of substantial sexual conduct. Each count is a felony and eight of the counts are strike offenses.

The crimes occurred between January 1, 2012, and February 10, 2017, against a female victim, who was between five and eight-years-old at the time of the sexual assaults. All of the crimes occurred within the county.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Wayt of the Crimes against Children Division and investigated by Corporal Cynthia Vasquez of the Tulare Police Department.  

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