The Honorable Jacot sentenced Christopher Sutton to the maximum term of 42 years and 8 months in prison for three counts of assault with intent to commit rape under Penal Code 220(a). The convictions stem from separate attacks on three women, all strangers to the defendant, in Stockton.

Sutton, who was on parole for a prior 2021 conviction of the same offense, assaulted two victims on the streets of downtown Stockton in broad daylight on the same day, hours apart. Stockton Police Officer Nicholas Salaices responded to the first assault and, suspecting the same perpetrator after a second report, helped identify and arrest Sutton with the aid of a victim’s cell phone video and victim identifications. The third assault occurred late at night at a 7-11, where Sutton attacked an employee in the store’s storage area.  His identity was confirmed through DNA analysis by the Department of Justice, linking his DNA to a glass pipe left at the scene. A fourth victim, who had previously known and spent time with the defendant, alleged a similar assault, but the jury convicted him on the lesser included offense of simple assault. 

Judge Jacot, noting Sutton’s extreme danger to the community, imposed the maximum sentence.

District Attorney Ron Freitas praised the collaborative efforts that led to this conviction, stating, “This sentence reflects our constant commitment to protecting our community's most vulnerable victims from predators like Christopher Sutton. The courage of the victims, combined with the tireless work of our law enforcement partners and my team, ensured justice was served. We will continue to stand with victims and hold offenders accountable.”

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office extends its gratitude to Deputy District Attorney Carrie Lawrence for her tenacious prosecution of this case, Stockton Police Officer Salaices for his swift and perceptive response, and Victim Advocate Vanessa Elizondo for her exceptional support of the victims. Special recognition is given to Vanessa’s work with a victim who faced communication challenges, ensuring she was supported throughout the process. The San Joaquin County Superior Court Interpreter’s Office also deserves thanks for their extraordinary efforts in providing four simultaneous interpreters to ensure this victim’s testimony was clearly and accurately communicated to the jury.