11 Guilty Verdicts Secured Against Predator Facing Life Without Parole

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announced that a jury has returned 11 felony guilty verdicts against Antonio Abarca, 33, of Stockton, for the sexual assault of two young victims. The convictions include special enhancements for causing great bodily injury and for committing crimes against multiple victims. With these verdicts, Abarca faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The case stems from underlying conduct that began in 2012 when the defendant impregnated his 12-year-old cousin. The crimes at that time had not been reported to police. The People argued that the fact that the victim was impregnated and delivered a baby when she was only 13 years old constituted great bodily injury. The jury agreed.

The crimes at that time had not been reported to police. Years later, the victim’s sister disclosed that she had also been molested by the defendant. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office was finally contacted, launching a comprehensive multi-year investigation that ultimately located and arrested Abarca in 2021 after he returned to the United States. Following extensive pretrial litigation, the case proceeded to trial before The Honorable Judge Mallett, where the jury deliberated for approximately half a day before finding the defendant guilty on all 11 counts.

"This decisive verdict ensures that a dangerous predator is permanently removed from our streets and held fully accountable for a decade of horrific abuse," said District Attorney Ron Freitas. "True justice requires time, thoroughness, and the incredible bravery of victims willing to stand up and speak the truth. Thanks to the absolute diligence of our sheriff's detectives, our prosecutors, and our victim support teams, we have secured a conviction that guarantees this individual will face the heaviest consequences under the law."

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office extends its profound gratitude to Detective Alisha Cardenas of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office for her relentless diligence in tracking the defendant over several years and keeping the case at the forefront of her investigation.

The office also recognizes and thanks Victim-Witness Advocates Heidi Ramirez and Maritza Vasquez for their compassionate support of the victims throughout this very long legal journey. Exceptional credit is also given to Cortney Pignon of the CASA Unit for her vital administrative work in preparing this complex case for trial, alongside the outstanding efforts of the DA's Bureau of Investigations for providing critical trial support.

The successful prosecution was led by Deputy District Attorney Carrie Lawrence, who skillfully presented the evidence and successfully brought this long-awaited justice to the victims and the community.

The defendant returns to court on October 12, 2026 at 10:30 AM in Department 6D for sentencing.