RON FREITAS
District Attorney

Office of the District Attorney
Protecting our community for 175 Years
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

San Joaquin County DA Ron Freitas Discusses First 100 Days of Prop. 36


Click here to view the video on 
Fox 40 News (Fox40.com)

Ron Freitas - First 100 Days of Prop 36

For Immediate Release

Breaking News


June 26, 2025

San Joaquin County Stepfather Antonio Hernandez Sentenced to 105 Years to life for 35 Counts of Child Sexual Abuse

District Attorney Ron Freitas announced today that Antonio Hernandez, 59, was sentenced to 150 years to life in prison in Department 7A of the San Joaquin County Superior Court for 35 counts of sexual abuse against his stepdaughter.


The abuse began when the victim was seven years old and continued for five years until she courageously came forward in October 2023.

The sentence was structured as follows:

•  Count 1: PC 288.7(a), Rape of a child 10 or under, 25 years to life (Counts 2-8 concurrent)

•  Count 9: PC 288.7(a), Rape of a child 10 or under, 25 years to life (Counts 10-20 concurrent)

•  Count 21: PC 288.7(a), Rape of a child 10 or under, 25 years to life (Counts 22-24 concurrent)

•  Count 25: PC 288.7(b), Oral copulation of a child 10 or under, 15 years to life (Count 26 concurrent)

•  Count 27: PC 288.7(b), Oral copulation of a child 10 or under, 15 years to life (Count 28 concurrent)

•  Counts 29-32: PC 288(a), Lewd and lascivious act on a child under 14, 6 years each (concurrent)

•  Counts 33-35: PC 261(a)(2), Rape by force or fear, 11 years each (concurrent)


The court imposed a sentence of 105 years to life.


STATEMENT FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY RON FREITAS:

 

“The courage of this young survivor in confronting her abuser is truly inspiring, and her bravery has ensured that this predator will spend the rest of his life behind bars, unable to harm another child. My office remains resolute in our commitment to relentlessly pursue those who prey on the vulnerable, ensuring they face the full consequences of their actions. We stand with survivors and will continue to fight for justice on their behalf.”


The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office extends its deepest gratitude to Deputy District Attorney Victor Bachand and the prosecution team for their tireless dedication, Detective Romero of the Stockton Police Department for their thorough investigation, and the men and women of the jury for their service.  We also commend the victim for her extraordinary strength and bravery in coming forward. That courage made this conviction and sentence possible.

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

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Erin Haight
Public Information Officer
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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