07/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/03/2024 21:36
Author: District Attorney
Date: 7/3/2024 4:46 PM
District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Noe Simental Arce (48), of Paso Robles, has been sentenced to 12 years in state prison for the molestation of a child who was under 14 years of age. The crimes occurred on numerous occasions over a two-to-three-year period. Arce was convicted on May 8, 2024, after a nearly three-week jury trial.
At today's sentencing hearing, the child's mother read a written statement about how the defendant's actions affected her family. She told the Judge that her daughter said, "she begs God in her prayers to make her 'normal' again." The victim's mother added, "we will not be broken. These crimes are the worst in our communities and they cannot be tolerated."
The child victim's written statement was read in court by District Attorney Victim Advocate Dona Reed. The victim expressed that she has forgiven him and hopes that her "coming forward may prevent this from happening to someone else." She expressed how "proud (she) was for being so brave and speaking up for (herself)."
"The victim survivor demonstrated strength and courage by her actions and participation in the criminal and victim justice system," said District Attorney Dan Dow. "It is because of her willingness to come forward and participate, that we were able to bring him to justice and prevent him from hurting any other children."
Chief Deputy District Attorney Lisa Muscari strongly advocated for the Judge to impose the maximum sentence of 14 years citing the repeated targeting of his victim for sexual purposes over two-to-three years of time.
The defendant's attorney argued in writing that the defendant should be granted probation instead of a prison sentence. The Honorable Catherine Swysen denied the defendant's request for probation but imposed a lighter sentence than the prosecutor requested. The Judge also ordered Mr. Arce to register as a sexual offender.
The case was investigated by the Paso Robles Police Department with the assistance of the District Attorney Bureau of Investigation Child Forensic Interview Team. The young victim and her family were supported by the multi-disciplinary team of the San Luis Obispo County Child Advocacy Center, the District Attorney's Victim Witness Assistance Center, and Courthouse Dog Program. The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Lisa Muscari.
Here is a copy of the charging document. Here is a copy of the defendant's booking photo.
Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at 805-781-5819 with any questions.
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