VENTURA, Calif. — A 37-year-old Santa Paula resident has been sentenced to more than two decades in state prison after pleading guilty to multiple felony counts of child molestation involving two minor victims, county prosecutors announced Thursday afternoon.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko confirmed that Leonel Galindo Galindo (DOB 03/20/89) was sentenced on July 30, 2026, to serve 22 years in California state prison.
The formal sentencing proceeding in Ventura County Superior Court follows Galindo's guilty plea entered on June 22, 2026. Galindo pled guilty to eight felony counts of lewd acts upon a child and admitted to a special aggravating factor that he took advantage of a position of trust and confidence to carry out the systematic abuse.
Prolonged Pattern of Abuse Inside Victims' Santa Paula Home
According to official court filings and investigative details released by the District Attorney’s Office, the systemic abuse occurred on multiple occasions over a two-year period, spanning from 2018 through 2020, within the city of Santa Paula.
Investigators detailed that Galindo targeted two minor victims who were both under 14 years of age at the time of the criminal offenses. Galindo was a known acquaintance of the victims' family and used his familiar relationship and routine access to commit the acts inside the security of the victims' own home.
The comprehensive criminal investigation into Galindo was spearheaded by specialized investigators assigned to the District Attorney’s Sexual Assault Family Protection Unit. Following an extensive multi-year investigation, gathering of evidence, and formal filing of charges, District Attorney investigators located and arrested Galindo on May 29, 2025.
Prosecutor Praises Survivors' Courage and Resilience
The criminal case was formally prosecuted in court by Senior Deputy District Attorney Emily Reber, a veteran prosecutor with the District Attorney's office.
Following the judicial sentencing hearing, SDDA Reber commended the young survivors for their remarkable bravery in stepping forward to report the crimes and hold the defendant fully accountable under state law:
"The defendant relied on silence and fear to shield him from accountability," Senior Deputy District Attorney Emily Reber stated in an official release detailing the judicial outcome. "But the courage of the survivors proved stronger than both. This sentence reflects their strength and the justice they fought so hard to obtain."
Conviction Details, Mandatory Registration, and State Prison Transfer
Under California criminal law, Galindo’s convictions on eight separate counts of California Penal Code Section 288(a) (Lewd Act Upon a Child Under 14) carry severe mandatory prison sentences and require lifelong sex offender registration upon any eventual release from state custody.
By formally admitting to California Rules of Court 4.421(a)(11)—that he exploited a position of trust and confidence—Galindo faced enhanced sentencing consideration during the final judicial hearing before the court presiding judge.
Following Thursday's court proceedings, Galindo will remain in local custody at the county jail facility pending his upcoming administrative transfer to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to begin serving his 22-year state prison term.
Community Victim Advocacy and Reporting Resources
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office emphasizes that specialized resources, crisis counseling, and dedicated advocacy support are available for victims of domestic abuse, child sexual abuse, and interpersonal violence across all local Ventura County communities.
Law enforcement officials and prosecutors is encouraging anyone who suspects child abuse or domestic violence to report it immediately. Members of the public seeking guidance, information, crisis intervention, or confidential reporting resources can reach out directly to the Ventura County Family Justice Center at this number: (805) 652-7655 or visit their main victim service facility in Ventura.