In a recent decision within Napa County's legal circles, Superior Court Judge Scott Young ruled against a reduced sentence for Peterson William Fontes, the Richmond man convicted for a series of disturbing sexual assaults at local music festivals. Fontes, now 47 years of age, had sought leniency under the relatively new Senate Bill 567, a legal provision that suggests judges should opt for the middle-term sentence unless specific aggravating circumstances are demonstrated, as reported by the Napa County District Attorney's Office.
While reviewing Fontes' case, who is serving a 16-year, 8-month sentence after being found guilty of sexual penetration by force, second-degree burglary, and vandalism, DDA Kristen Orlando argued his actions were premeditated, exploited the vulnerable and exhibited sophistication, the hearings underscored the gravity of his crimes, exemplified by his modus operandi of cutting holes in the walls of portable toilets at the BottleRock and Pine Street Spring Festivals in 2019 to carry out the assaults.
Amidst these proceedings, the courage of Fontes' victims was highlighted, especially one survivor who had to confront her assaulter once again, an act DDA Orlando hailed as "extraordinary", emphasizing the message of the community's intolerance towards such heinous behavior and the ruling by Judge Young reinforces this stance according to a statement from the DDA's office, as per the Napa County District Attorney's Office, "The courage and bravery of the survivor to stand up to her abuser a second time was extraordinary," and that the court's decision reflects a steadfast commitment to upholding the safety and well-being of the community.
Fontes' denial for a sentence reduction signifies the court's agreement with DDA Orlando's argument regarding the aggravated nature of the crimes that posed a significant danger to society, which could have been satisfactorily proven during the 2019 trial according to the Napa County District Attorney's Office, "The court's ruling today sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such behavior in our community and will not excuse or minimize the severe harm that Mr. Fontes has caused by his predatory actions."
