RON FREITAS
District Attorney
San Joaquin County
Office of the District Attorney
Ron Freitas
District Attorney

Meet District Attorney Ron Freitas

Ronald J. Freitas is the 42nd District Attorney to lead San Joaquin County’s chief law enforcement agency. This administration maintains a zero-tolerance approach to prosecuting criminals, working with local, state, and federal partners to create a safe and secure San Joaquin County for everyone.

"The mission of the District Attorney's Office is to bring justice and closure to victims of crime."

“True public safety requires a collaboration
between law enforcement and the community.” - Betsy Hodges
For Immediate Release

Breaking News


November 21, 2024

San Joaquin County Jury Convicts Man of 35 Counts of Child Sexual Abuse

Defendant Faces 740 Years to Life in Prison

Stockton, CA – A San Joaquin County jury has convicted Antonio Hernandez, 59, on 35 counts of child sexual abuse. The charges include:

  • Counts 1-24: Sexual intercourse with a child under 10
  • Counts 25-28: Oral copulation with a child under 10
  • Counts 29-32: Lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14
  • Counts 33-35: Rape by force or fear

The abuse began when the victim was just seven years old and continued for seven years until the child courageously came forward in October 2023. The defendant now faces a sentence of 740 years to life in prison, with sentencing set for February 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 7A of the San Joaquin County Superior Court, presided over by Judge Lance Jacot.

STATEMENT FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY RON FREITAS

“If you prey on the most vulnerable among us, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will ensure that you are removed from society forever. The sheer bravery of this young survivor in standing up to their abuser is nothing short of heroic, and because of their courage, this predator will never have the opportunity to harm another child. Our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue justice for victims and ensure that the full weight of the law is brought down on those who commit these despicable crimes.”

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office would like to extend our gratitude to DDA Victor Bachand and the prosecution team, Detective Romero of the Stockton Police Department, the men and women of the jury, and the Honorable Lance Jacot for overseeing this case judiciously.

 

Ron Freitas
District Attorney, San Joaquin County
— Protecting Our Community Since 1850

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Erin Haight
Public Information Officer
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View of the entrance to the San  Joaquin County Family Justice Center Family Justice Center Seal
Featuring!

San Joaquin County
Family Justice Center

A Family Justice Center is a collaborative model of service delivery that brings together a range of resources and support services under one roof to better serve victims of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault, Elder Abuse, Child Abuse, and Stalking.

The goal of a Family Justice Center is to provide comprehensive and coordinated support to individuals and families affected by abuse, helping them to feel safe and supported as they navigate the process of seeking help and rebuilding their lives.

Visit the Family Justice Center