Woodlake Man Found Guilty of Child Molestation

On Friday, June 2, 2023, in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, a Tulare County jury found Efrain Ponce, age 60, guilty of child molestation.

Ponce was convicted of ten felony counts of lewd act upon a child. The crimes were committed against a single female minor between 2015 and 2018.

Sentencing is set for July 20, 2023, in Tulare County Superior Court where Ponce faces up to 20 years in state prison. Ponce 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 Woodlake Police Department Sergeant James Guy.

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