Amid the election buzz to fill a vacant city council seat, ex-San Jose councilman Omar Torres has been convicted of child molestation dating back to the late 90s. According to a CBS News report, the conviction was announced on the same day as the special election. The charges against Torres stem from incidents beginning when the victim was just four years old.
This conviction comes as city officials are already embroiled in controversy after law enforcement sources revealed group messages that included racial slurs and derogatory language. San José Spotlight obtained information indicating that a series of objectionable texts were discovered on Torres' phone during an investigation. The former councilman is scheduled to be sentenced later, with potential years of prison time hanging over his head.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen did not speak lightly of the matter, stating, per CBS News, "It is heartbreaking that someone elected to represent and serve thousands of San Jose residents had previously molested a small child." Rosen went on to emphasize the district's resolve to prosecute those who hurt children fully. The abuse is said to have occurred between 1990 and 1999, ceasing just as Torres reached adulthood.
While Torres' criminal actions are at the forefront, the recent allegations regarding current San Jose officials using racist language in official communications continue to stir unrest. According to San José Spotlight, Mayor Matt Mahan and the local NAACP have demanded transparency and the release of the texts. "These are serious allegations and, to the extent that this language was used in the course of city business or to describe constituents, the people of San Jose have a right to know what their elected representatives are saying," Mahan reportedly asserted.
