Verdict reached in child molestation and rape case

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer announced a significant verdict in a child molestation and rape case on Friday, February 1.

On Thursday, January 31, a Kern County jury found Jose Huape Fuentes guilty of two felony charges of sexual intercourse with a child under 10 years old, one felony charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, two felony counts of rape by force or fear of a minor and a felony count of lewd acts with a child under age 14 with force.

The District Attorney said that a jury also found the crimes involved multiple victims and one victim was kidnapped for the purpose of rape.

Sentencing for the case is scheduled for March 6, 2019, where the defendant faces a possible life sentence as a result of the convictions.