Visalia Man Found Guilty of Child Molestation
On September 3, 2024, in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, TCDA prosecutors secured a conviction against Jerome Avilez, age 60, for child molestation.
Avilez was found guilty on 9 felony counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of 14. The jury also found true that Avilez committed the crimes against multiple victims and that some of the acts constituted substantial sexual conduct. The crimes were committed against three female minors between 2021 and 2022.
Additionally, the Court found true that Avilez possessed a prior conviction for forcible lewd act upon a child from 1988.
Sentencing is set for November 14, 2024, in Tulare County Superior Court where Avilez faces up to life in state prison. Avilez will be required to register a sex offender as a result of the convictions.
The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Laura Jackson and investigated by Visalia Police Department Sergeant Andrew Saelee.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494