July 12, 2021
A registered sex offender was subdued and duct-taped by the parents of a 5-year-old girl in whose room he was caught standing early morning around 5 a.m. on Tuesday 6th July 2021. Martha Zepeda told that their little daughter was sleeping with her grandmother in a back bedroom when the grandmother saw someone watching them through an open window
The grandmother got up to alert the girl’s father, the father went out and confronted a man standing near the house. He saw the man peeping into the room window and grabbing his private parts. Zepeda warned him to leave immediately or he would call the police.
The family thought the man had left after the warning, but moments later they heard a loud noise. The man had removed the screen to the daughter’s window and entered the room. When they rushed into the room, they saw the suspect standing in the room over their daughter’s bed. Zepeda forced him outside the house where they grappled.
He held him down in the yard while his wife helped him duct-tape the suspect. Police catch the abuser doing sexual assualt in child room,the police quick action led to save the life of girl child.
Their older daughter called 9-1-1 and informed the police. The police arrived 15 minutes later till when the suspect was held by the family. The police authorities identified the suspect as 39-year old Daniel Diaz of Los Banos. Diaz is a registered sex offender on the Megan’s Law website, he was convicted in 2009 for assault with intent to commit rape.
He was released from prison in 2018 and though his status on the website showed “incarcerated.” The Zepeda family stated that they saw an ankle bracelet attached to his leg. Presently Diaz is held on a $1, 50,000 bail in the Stanislaus County Jail. He has been charged by the police on suspicion of invading a house, peeping and prowling, burglary, and child abuse.
Sex Crimes under California Penal Code (CPC)
In California, any type of crime involving sexual activity is called “sex crime.” Depending on the act and the corresponding law, the sex crimes may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. California as a state considers all sex crimes as serious offenses that need to be investigated and/or tried in court.
Some of the common sex crimes are:
- Child sexual abuse
- Rape
- Date rape
- Indecent exposure
- Lewd acts with a child
- Possession of child pornography
- Sexual Battery
- Prostitution
- Soliciting a prostitute
Penalties for Sex Crimes
A sex crime conviction in California can lead to imprisonment or a jail sentence. As per statutory law, a misdemeanor sentence needs to be served in a county jail whereas a felony sentence has to be served in state prison. Moreover, under a misdemeanors the guilty may be fined up to $1,000 (unless the statute states a different amount). Under felonies, the fines can be significantly higher.
In many instances both a fine and jail sentence can be imposed.
In California, under CPC §290 after being convicted of a sex crime the individual is required to register as a Sex Offender. The Sex Offender Registration Act requires the person to disclose their name and case history to government officials.
Their personal information including address and other details are updated and made publicly available under the Sex Offenders’ list. If a person is obligated to register themselves they need to do it on the “Megan’s Law” website (California Megan’s Law Website).
If you or your family member has been a victim of sexual abuse or assault get in touch with our team of experienced personal injury lawyers at Khashan Law Firm. We have successfully represented several victims of sexual abuse or assault and helped them seek compensation for their physical injuries, emotional trauma, and other damages suffered. Contact us at 951.461.2387 for a free and confidential consultation.