Merced County District Attorney

PRESS RELEASE ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** For more information... Contact: Sara Rosenthal Number: (209) 385-7381 Friday, December 11, 2020 Jose Juan Pineda Convicted of Lewd Act Upon a Child Under 14 Against Three Separate Victims Today, in Merced Superior Court case 18CR-03306, a Merced County jury convicted Defendant Jose Juan Pineda, also known as Jose Juan Ibarra Pineda, of seven separate counts of lewd and lascivious act on a child under 14. The defendant faces 105 years to life in prison at his upcoming sentencing hearing on January 12, 2021. The case first came to light in June 2018 when the youngest victim, then eight years old, disclosed the abuse to her mother. During the ensuing investigation, Sergeant Robert Wiens of the Los Banos Police Department diligently tracked down multiple victims as well as background information to ensure successful prosecution of the case. Ultimately, three victims bravely came to court and testified about abuse they experienced. Along with the youngest victim who is now ten, two adult victims described events that occurred when they were children. All three victims were of similar age when their instances of abuse occurred and all three encountered Mr. Pineda as a result of family connections. Deputy District Attorney Sara Rosenthal prosecuted the case.

PRESS RELEASE ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** Contact: Sara Rosenthal... Number: (209) 385-7381 A Merced County jury convicted William Matthew Green of aggravated mayhem for a brutal knife assault on a Merced man In December 2016, the defendant William Matthew Green cut the victim’s face and stabbed his arm leaving the victim permanently injured. The attack forever changed the victim both physically and emotionally. Merced Police Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit and Detectives Bureau investigated the case. In Merced Superior Court cases 16CR-01523A, a Merced County jury convicted the defendant William Matthew Green of Aggravated Mayhem and found true the special allegation that the defendant personally used a knife. Deputy District Attorney Sara Rosenthal prosecuted the case. The defendant faces seven years to life in prison at his sentencing hearing on January 15, 2021.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The District Attorney's Office applauds those who assist survivors of domestic violence recover from the damaging mental and physical effects of abuse. Please join Valley Crisis Center's live Facebook event tomorrow at 10 a.m., discussing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and how they are supporting survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PRESS RELEASE ***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** For more information:... Contact: Tom Pfeiff Number: 209-385-7381 Date: August 24, 2020 The Merced Office of the California Highway Patrol and the Merced County District Attorney announce that local law enforcement will begin collaborating on enhanced enforcement efforts of California Vehicle Code Section 14602.7(a), which allows for the impoundment of vehicles used in crimes such as reckless driving and evading a police officer. Driving an automobile is the single most dangerous thing that the ordinary person does on a daily basis. Sadly, there are far too many accidents and injuries on our roads every day. All of us depend on each other to drive responsibly and look out for the safety of our fellow drivers. The CHP and the District Attorney are both committed to safety on our roadways, and Vehicle Code Section 14602.7(a) allows the agencies to hold accountable individuals who might otherwise avoid consequences for endangering the lives of fellow motorists. The District Attorney and CHP encourage vehicle owners to promptly report their vehicles stolen if they go missing to avoid tow and storage charges. Both agencies also caution owners to be careful about lending their cars to others. Vehicle Code, Section 14602.7(a) provides for the vehicle to be impounded up to 30 days when it is located. If the registered owner can establish they were not the driver at the time of the incident, they may contest the impound through a hearing procedure. In that case, the vehicle will remain impounded only until the hearing procedure is completed.