For anyone who's wondering...I did a bit of research since I haven't heard anything about SPM or these charges in the California mainstream media. (Or maybe I just wasn't watching...)
The Houston Chronicle reported on 1/18/2002 that the 9-year old testified that she had been sexually assaulted by SPM while she was a sleep-over guest of his 7-year old daughter. Apparently, in 1993, SPM had sex with a 13 year old, and she later gave birth to a son. SPM doesn't deny that the incident with the 13 year old girl occured, but he said that he was misled and that the girl lied about her age. The statute of limitations hadn't passed on that crime, so SPM was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The reason SPM could have been sentenced to prison for life is because both charges were first-degree felonies.
On 3/13/02 the Houston Chronicle reported that SPM, free on bond for the first two charges, had been arrested on three additional charges of sexual assaults on two 14 year old girls.
Finally, on 5/31/02 the Houston Chronicle reported that SPM had been sentenced to 45 years in prison and fined the maximum $10,000 for molesting the 9 year old girl. He must serve 22 1/2 years before he is eligible for parole. SPM is 31 years old. The Chronicle also reported that his defense lawyer filed a notice of appeal. The prosecutors told the Chronicle that they had not yet decided how to proceed with 7 other sexual assault charges against SPM.
What I've written is not a comprehensive history of SPM's legal troubles but hopefully it clears the air of some speculation that's been going on.
Solo
The Houston Chronicle reported on 1/18/2002 that the 9-year old testified that she had been sexually assaulted by SPM while she was a sleep-over guest of his 7-year old daughter. Apparently, in 1993, SPM had sex with a 13 year old, and she later gave birth to a son. SPM doesn't deny that the incident with the 13 year old girl occured, but he said that he was misled and that the girl lied about her age. The statute of limitations hadn't passed on that crime, so SPM was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The reason SPM could have been sentenced to prison for life is because both charges were first-degree felonies.
On 3/13/02 the Houston Chronicle reported that SPM, free on bond for the first two charges, had been arrested on three additional charges of sexual assaults on two 14 year old girls.
Finally, on 5/31/02 the Houston Chronicle reported that SPM had been sentenced to 45 years in prison and fined the maximum $10,000 for molesting the 9 year old girl. He must serve 22 1/2 years before he is eligible for parole. SPM is 31 years old. The Chronicle also reported that his defense lawyer filed a notice of appeal. The prosecutors told the Chronicle that they had not yet decided how to proceed with 7 other sexual assault charges against SPM.
What I've written is not a comprehensive history of SPM's legal troubles but hopefully it clears the air of some speculation that's been going on.
Solo