Modesto man convicted of sexually abusing two children, faces life sentence
A Stanislaus County jury has convicted a Modesto man of multiple charges of sexual abuse involving two young children, crimes that prosecutors say occurred over several years.
Fernando Sandoval Navarrete, 56, was found guilty March 6 of seven felony counts, including continuous sexual abuse of a child, aggravated sexual assault of a child and several counts of committing lewd acts with a minor, according to Stanislaus County Superior Court records.
The charges stem from abuse that occurred between 2016 and 2021 involving two children under the age of 14, court documents show.
According to prosecutors, one victim was repeatedly abused between 2019 and 2021 . The other was assaulted in several incidents during 2016 .
The jury convicted Navarrete of continuous sexual abuse of a child, as well as aggravated sexual assault of a child and oral copulation or sexual penetration of a child 10 years old or younger.
Jurors also found him guilty of four additional counts involving forcible lewd acts and lewd acts on a child.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa. Navarrete was represented by defense attorney Jeffrey A. Silvia.
The trial began in late February before Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Carrie M. Stephens. During the trial, jurors heard testimony from the victims and multiple witnesses, including family members and a Modesto police detective who investigated the case.
After closing arguments March 4, jurors began deliberations the following day. The jury deliberated for about two days before reaching a verdict on March 6.
Navarrete was convicted on all counts.
Following the verdict, the judge ordered a sentencing report and a sex offender risk assessment to be prepared.
Navarrete’s bail was revoked and he was remanded to the custody of the Stanislaus County sheriff.
He faces a potential sentence of 90 years to life in prison.
Navarrete is scheduled to be sentenced May 15 in Stanislaus County Superior Court.
