Violent Sexual Offender Stipulates to Parole Denial

Yesterday via a virtual hearing, Louis Herrera Gallegos, age 61, stipulated to a 3-year denial of parole. Gallegos is currently serving a life sentence for sexual assault and is incarcerated at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla.

On the afternoon of April 25, 1998, Gallegos, a convicted sex offender at the time, committed a violent sexual assault against a 93-year-old female victim in her Visalia home. After the assault, Gallegos stole the victim’s vehicle. Though having sustained major injuries, the victim was able to give a description of the defendant. Through investigation, it was learned Gallegos had prior contact with the victim, who had allowed him to use the phone in her home a few days before the assault. On April 28, 1998, police located Gallegos near the victim’s stolen car and arrested him. 

At his 1998 trial, Gallegos pleaded to multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, vehicle theft, robbery, and burglary. He was sentenced to 110 years-to-life in prison. At the time of the crime, Gallegos possessed a prior rape conviction from 1983.

After her attack, the victim became a strident advocate for survivors of assault and was well respected for her efforts by community members and students. She was later bestowed with the District Attorney’s “Justice Award” for her courage.

This was Gallegos’ first parole suitability hearing. TCDA attorneys and advocates assisted members of the victim’s family to address parole commissioners.

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