In a stark admonition against child predators, Port Hueneme resident Jesus Andrew Sapien was condemned to an extensive prison term totaling 325 years to life, after being found guilty on multiple felony charges of lewd acts upon children. This information comes per an announcement from District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. Sapien, whose criminal acts were brought to light following the brave disclosures of his young victims, was sentenced after being convicted by a jury on August 12, 2024.
Details provided by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office reveal that three children, all under the age of 14, fell prey to Sapien, who perpetrated the abuse through a position of trust within a family setting. Sapien's opportunities to commit these acts stemmed from a familial relationship, which he exploited to carry out his crimes over an extended period. Deputy District Attorney Benjamin Moreno, who prosecuted the case, detailed the betrayal of trust and the horrific nature of Sapien's actions, according to an official press release.
The legal proceedings against Sapien commenced following a 2020 report by the mother of a six-year-old victim to the Port Hueneme Police Department detectives. With subsequent revelations from two additional children, the scope of Sapien's abuses was brought into focus, leading to his conviction on 13 felony counts. "The defendant betrayed the trust of a close-knit family to commit unspeakable acts of sexual abuse against multiple children," Moreno said. "Today’s sentence reflects the severity of those crimes. While nothing can undo the harm the defendant has caused, I hope this sentence provides the victims and their families the closure they so profoundly deserve and ensures that the defendant will never again harm a child.."
The final judgment, reflective of the multiple aggravating factors and special allegations, is aimed at ensuring Sapien's permanent removal from society and the protection of potential future victims. These factors included the young age and vulnerability of the victims as well as the defendant's substantial sexual conduct. The sentence handed out is seen by many as a measure of justice—albeit one that cannot reverse the damage inflicted upon the victims. Joey Buttitta, Communications Manager for the Ventura District Attorney's Office, provided details on the case and was available for press inquiries on behalf of the prosecution team.
