Lewd-act charge against James Hooker reinstated by Stanislaus district attorney
The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office on Monday reinstated a felony lewd-act charge against former Enochs High School teacher James Hooker.
Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Jeff Mangar accepted a so-called first amended complaint bringing back Count 1, accusing Hooker of committing lewd acts with Autumn Rose, who was 14 to 15 years old at the time. The charge had been dropped after Rose died in July shortly before she was expected to testify.
Hooker, 55, again pleaded not guilty. Mangar vacated Monday’s scheduled preliminary hearing and called a hearing for Dec. 16 at 8:30 a.m., where prosecutors and the defense must either reach a resolution or schedule a new preliminary examination.
“This case has been lingering for a while,” Mangar said. “I’m sure Mr. Hooker hates coming back to court.”
Mangar told both sides to ensure that the next hearing would be “a meaningful court date” with all witnesses, records and discovery ready.
DA reinstates lewd-act count once dropped after victim’s death
Deputy District Attorney Harshan Samra, who recently took over the case, filed the amended complaint in open court.
“We filed a first amended complaint today, reinstating charges that were originally dismissed,” Samra told The Bee after the hearing. He declined to discuss what prompted the reinstatement, citing the ongoing investigation.
Samra also urged community members who may have information about Hooker — “including knowledge of any potential victims” — to contact Turlock Police Detective Frank Navarro at 209-664-7319 or the District Attorney’s Office at 209-525-5550.
Defense attorney Robert D. Chase told the court that his witness was out of the country and that certain subpoenaed business records had not yet arrived. Mangar ordered both sides to be fully prepared for the December hearing.
Family reacts: ‘It hit us in the heart’
In the courtroom were Rose’s parents, Marina Gonzales and Matthew Rose, who said they learned about the reinstated charge only minutes before the hearing.
“It gave me a little bit of hope that what happened to Autumn isn’t going to be swept aside,” Gonzales said. “It hit us in the heart that somebody is doing something. It shouldn’t have ever been dropped in the first place, but at least they’re taking this seriously now.”
Gonzales said she continues attending every hearing despite the emotional toll. “Seeing him sickens me,” she said. “Her father and I are her only voice now.”
Autumn’s father shared a similar reaction as he left the courthouse. “I’m glad they reinstated the charges,” Rose said. “And I’m glad Mr. Samra took over the case.”
Hooker leaves courthouse without answering questions
After the hearing, Hooker walked out briskly, clutching a briefcase and stepping behind his attorney as The Bee asked questions.
Chase repeatedly responded, “Sir, at this time my client is not making a statement.”
Asked whether Hooker maintains his innocence, Chase said: “Absolutely.”
Hooker did not speak.
Case background
Hooker was arrested in September 2024 after a minor reported he had shared and possessed explicit images of children. The original charging complaint filed last September included:
- Count 1: Lewd act upon a child age 14–15, involving Autumn Rose between 2019 and 2021.
- Count 2: Possession of matter depicting sexual conduct of a minor, based on digital evidence recovered by Turlock police.
After Rose — who met Hooker as a teenager and later married him — died in July 2025, prosecutors said they could not prove the lewd-act allegation without her testimony and dismissed Count 1. Her death was later ruled health-related by the coroner.
Monday’s amended complaint formally reinstates the lewd-act charge for the first time since her death.
What happens on Dec. 16
The Dec. 16 hearing will determine the next steps. If no agreement is reached, Mangar will set a new preliminary hearing — the first time evidence against Hooker would be presented publicly.
Gonzales said she is prepared for the wait, but sees Monday’s hearing as a turning point.
“I know the wheels of justice turn slow,” she said. “But I’m hopeful now. Justice for Autumn is what her father and I are fighting for.”
This story was originally published November 17, 2025 at 1:46 PM.
