Sonora, California –– Tuolumne County District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke announced today that 24-year-old Juan Daniel Vergara was convicted by a jury on September 28, 2021 before Judge Kevin Seibert of two felonies: rape by force and forced oral copulation. Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Novelli prosecuted the case for the People.
On May 12, 2020, Jane Doe attended a gathering of her family in Sonora, California. Early the next morning, she went outside to check on her cousin when Mr. Vergara, who she considered family, took her by the wrist and led her away from the house. Mr. Vergara then forcibly raped and orally copulated Ms. Doe who repeatedly told Mr. Vergara to stop. After, Ms. Doe returned to the house where her sister immediately recognized something was wrong. With the support of her father and sister, Ms. Doe reported the assault to law enforcement in the morning of May 13, 2020.
On October 29, 2021, after extended argument where the People requested a sentence of 8 years, Mr. Vergara was sentenced by Judge Seibert to 6 years in state prison and must register as a sex offender pursuant to Penal Code section 290. Mr. Vergara’s maximum possible exposure on these charges was 10 years in state prison.
The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the members of the jury for their careful attention to the case and their thoughtful deliberations after the powerful and courageous testimony of Jane Doe and her family. Special thanks to the friends and family as well as Victim Witness Advocate Dixie Skye who supported Jane Doe through the court process. Sexual assault has a devastating effect on the victim, victim’s family, and our community. The District Attorney’s Office remains committed to supporting survivors and holding perpetrators of these heinous crimes accountable.
For More Information Contact:
Stephanie Novelli—Deputy District Attorney
Phone: (209) 588-5450
