Stockton - Samuel Alvarado Hernandez, 48, of Stockton, was sentenced to 12 years in state prison after pleading guilty to continuous sexual abuse of a child and lewd acts with a child under 14 years old. These convictions under California Penal Code Section 288.5 and Penal Code Section 288(a) are classified as Strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law. Hernandez will also be required to register as a sex offender for life under Penal Code Section 290.

Detective Allison Barsetti of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation, and Deputy District Attorney Elaine Casillas prosecuted the case.

 San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas stated, “Let there be no doubt, those who prey on our children will face the full force of the law. There is no place in our society for such vile acts, and our office will not rest until justice is delivered to every victim. The defendant’s crimes were heinous, and today’s sentence ensures that he will no longer be a threat to our community.”

DA Freitas also expressed appreciation to Judge Soldati for his diligent handling of the case and thanked Deputy District Attorney Elaine Casillas for her tenacious dedication in securing this conviction.