Recently, 50-year-old Juan Mendoza, a convicted child molester, was denied parole at his first hearing. In 2026, prior to the parole hearing, a psychologist determined that Mendoza was low risk. However, at the recent hearing, Mendoza changed statements he made to the psychologist and admitted he had touched a second minor female with the intention of sexually abusing her but decided not to go further. In addition, his testimony strongly indicated that he likely continued to have deviant sexual fantasies.
Deputy DA Gina Nargie not only asked the board to deny parole, but to have Mendoza reevaluated by a psychologist given the new statements. While the board found that Mendoza was not suitable for parole, the board denied the DA’s Office request for a new psychological evaluation. Mendoza’s next hearing could be as soon as 18 months, meaning he may face a parole hearing before undergoing another routine psychological evaluation.
Mendoza was sentenced to 15 years to life in 2018 for lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14 and oral copulation of a child under the age of 10.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in November 2016 when the eight-year-old victim informed her mother that Mendoza committed a sexual offense against her at a family party. Mendoza took the child behind an unattached garage that was in a dimly lit area and sexually assaulted her. When Mendonza finally stopped, he gave the victim 10 dollars and told her not to tell. After the family party, Mendoza drove the victim home. Witnesses testified that the victim was crying when she returned home. DA Zimmer commented; “Although the Board denied Mendoza’s release, our concerns remain significant, as he will be eligible for another hearing in as little as 18 months. By denying our request for an additional psychological evaluation after Mendoza provided new and inconsistent statements during the hearing, the board is failing to address critical factors necessary to determine an inmate’s suitability for release.”