A Kern County Jury convicted Ricardo Alvarez of multiple counts of sexual acts with a minor.
Alvarez was found guilty of lewd and lascivious acts with a child age 14 or 15, sexual penetration with a foreign object on a victim under age 16, and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under 16.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy DA Katherynn Deleon.
The juvenile victim reported that on or about June 28, 2023, she stayed overnight at the home of a relative, then 34-year-old Ricardo Alvarez, after assisting with their move. That evening, she was lying down with Alvarez while they watched movies and videos together on his iPad. While watching the video, Alvarez began sexually assaulting the 15-year-old victim.
After the incident was reported, an investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department corroborated the victim’s statement. Additionally, the Kern Regional Crime Lab analyzed DNA evidence that linked Alvarez to the sexual assault.
Assistant DA Joseph Kinzel commented; “The victim believed that Alvarez was a trusted adult and family member in her life. He took advantage of that position of trust and used it to sexually assault her, placing the victim in a vulnerable position. I commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward to ensure that Alvarez faces the appropriate consequences.”
Sentencing is set for May 5, 2026. Alvarez was found guilty as charged. Under the law, he faces a sentence of up to 5 years and 4 months in prison