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Pro Wrestler Convicted of Sex With 12-Year-Old Girl

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:45:00 GMT

Professional wrestler Matthew Castaneda was convicted yesterday on two felony criminal charges stemming from having sex with a 12 year old girl. Castaneda, who wrestles under the name "Chippy Sanchez," was convicted of sodomy on a child and performing lewd acts on a child younger than 14, though he was acquitted on charges of child rape and attempted forcible oral copulation. According to reports, Castaneda met the 12-year-old girl on MySpace in 2009. In February of 2010, he met the girl in person at an Orange County shopping mall and took her to two amusement parks before taking her to a motel near Disneyland and sexually assaulting her. According to reports, Castaneda told the girl he was 21 when, in reality, he was 33 at the time. The girl's MySpace profile listed her age at 19, though she had told Castaneda in online chats that she was 16. After sexually assaulting her, Castaneda took her bus pass and left her stranded. The girl is said to have then flagged down a traffic controller with the Anaheim Police Department and asked to be taken home. Castaneda, who was on parole at the time of the attack for a 2007 felony domestic violence conviction as well as a restraining order violation, is facing up to 24 years in a state prison and is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

If you have been arrested for a serious sex crime, you need an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have over five decades of combined experience in criminal law and we know how to help you find the best possible resolution to your legal problems. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you that charges of a sex crime can be difficult to overcome because of the social stigma attached to them. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you that, if you are convicted, long after your prison stint is completed, you may experience further punishment in the form of required sex offender registration. All too often, a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney has seen registered sex offenders have difficulty finding decent jobs or places to live. In many cases, especially those involving crimes against children, restrictions are often placed on how close you can be to places where children gather such as schools or parks with playgrounds. Do not let your life be limited by a sex crime conviction. Call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to find your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney.

32-Year-Old Woman Charged With Having Sex With 16-Year-Old

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:51:00 GMT

A 32-year-old Santa Ana woman was charged on Friday with having sex with a 16-year-old boy. Mayra Gonzalez was reportedly arrested at her home this past Thursday on suspicion of having had sex on several occasions with the teen-aged friend of one of her relatives. According to reports, the relationship between Gonzalez and the boy lasted from the beginning of July of last year through December 24th, and Gonzalez is said to have given birth to the victim's child in late March of this year. Authorities learned of the relationship after the victim was confronted by a neighbor. The neighbor's parents then alerted local police. Gonzalez has been charged with six felony counts of unlawful sex with a minor under the age of 16, as well as two felony counts of oral copulation with a person under the age of 18. She is facing nearly eight years in prison if she is convicted. Investigators in the case are also awaiting the results of a paternity test to determine whether or not the victim is indeed the father of Gonzalez's child.

As an experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can attest, having sex with a person under the age of 18 can easily land you in jail. If you have been arrested for a sex crime, you need an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away. Call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP at 1-877-781-1570 to find a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney who is on your side. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys know that being convicted of a sex crime can have serious consequences that can profoundly affect your future. Many people convicted of a sex crime not only serve a jail or prison sentence, but also pay expensive fines and are often forced to register as a sex offender, often for life. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that registering as a sex offender is particularly damaging to a person's reputation since information regarding the crime you were convicted of, your home address and even a photo of you are posted on an online database that is easily accessed by the public. Since this information is so readily available, potential employers and landlords can easily look you up online, possibly making it very difficult for you to find a good job or a decent place to live. Being charges with a sex crime is very serious, but having the right Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney by your side can make all the difference in the world. Call Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to start preparing your defense.

New York Court Rules That Viewing Child Pornography Is Legal

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:41:00 GMT

In big news for many people facing charges of a sex crime, the state of New York's Court of Appeals has issued the highly controversial decision that the viewing of child pornography is not, in and of itself, illegal. The case began when James D. Kent, who was a professor at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, was found to have more than 100 images of child pornography on his computer's cache. A computer's cache saves the images that a person views online and is different from hard drive memory. Having images on his computer's cache means that while Kent viewed the then-illegal images online, he did not download and store them onto his computer. Kent was sentenced to prison in 2009 after being convicted of promoting child pornography as well as the possession of child pornography.

As any experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you, up until this past Tuesday when the court issued its decision, viewing, distributing and producing child pornography was strictly prohibited by both federal laws and state laws. For anyone who might still be unclear on the subject, child pornography is any visual depiction of a person under the age of 18 in a sexually explicit situation, whether through photographs or video. This newest decision from New York is, effectively, saying that it is legal to view child pornography in the state of New York as long as it is not actively downloaded or stored on a computer, cell phone, camera or other device belonging to a person. A Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that in many cases, the child in the photo or video does not even have to be portrayed participating in a real or simulated sex act, but even certain types of nudity can qualify as child pornography. If you are facing charges of a sex crime, especially one involving children, you need an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have the kind of experience that can only be gained through a collective 50 years of practicing in criminal law. In addition, our attorneys work with our very own private investigator to make sure that we find any and all evidence that can help you in court. Being convicted on charges of possessing, distributing or producing can not only land you in prison for a very long time, but also tends to require sex offender registration. If you are facing child pornography charges, you are right to be worried. But you do not have to face charges alone. Call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to find your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney.

Substitute Teacher Arrested For Lewd Act With Student

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Sat, 05 May 2012 05:26:00 GMT

A substitute teacher for a La Mirada middle school was arrested this week on suspicion of lewd acts with a child as well as distributing obscene material to a minor. Taylor Welch, who is 22 years old, was reportedly arrested by investigators for the Los Angeles County Special Victims Unit. Welch is said to have been working as a substitute teacher at Hutchinson Middle School when he befriended a 13-year-old girl online that he had met at the school. Welch and the unidentified girl began exchanging messages and eventually photos. According to reports, some of the photos eventually included nudity. Welch is also accused of inappropriately touching the girl in a classroom after school. Authorities learned of Welch's behavior after the alleged victim showed photos of him stored on her cell phone to a friend. Welch was released from police custody after posting $140,000 shortly after his arrest on Tuesday. He is next scheduled to appear in court on May 22nd.

As any experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you, sexual activity of any kind with a person under the age of 18 is typically illegal and likely to lead to very difficult consequences for you. In general, your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that being convicted of a lewd act can earn you up to one year in jail probation, expensive fines, and even mandatory sex offender registration. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can attest that sex offender registration is one of the cruelest punishments that can be imposed on a defendant because, in many ways, the punishment just keeps on coming long after prison or jail time has been served and probation or parole is over. More than so many other types of crime, being convicted of a sex crime, especially a sex crime involving a child, has the power to utterly transform your life in some of the worst ways possible. Even the accusation of a sex crime can be enough to ruin a person's reputation and even harm long-standing friendships and relationships with family members. If you or someone you know has been accused of a sex crime, you need an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney to fight for you. Call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to speak to a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney about your case. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP our attorneys have over 50 years of collective courtroom experience in dealing with criminal charges of all types, even sex crimes--and we know how to fight for you.

Sheriff's Deputy Charged With Sex Crime

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:16:00 GMT

A former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy was charged with a sex crime involving a 16-year-old girl this week. Manuel Enrique Perallon, Jr., who is 36 years old, is being charged with one felony count of oral copulation with a person under the age of 18 and one misdemeanor count of child molesting. According to reports, Perallon met the teenaged girl through the Explorer program, which he oversaw in Cerritos. The alleged encounters are said to have taken place between late April and early May of last year. The Explorer program is a youth program run by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department that reportedly teaches teens about law enforcement duties. Perallon, who is a 10-year veteran with the Sheriff's Department, was arrested Wednesday and released from police custody on $70,000 bond. If the former sheriff's deputy is convicted, he is facing as much as four years in prison. No word has been given as to when Perallon is next expected in court.

If you are facing allegations or formal charges of a sex crime, call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP right away to speak to an experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney about your case. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have been recognized as one of the top 5% of law firms in the nation by a nationally-recognized lawyer review service for several years in a row. Among our attorneys we count one former senior District Attorney, a state bar certified criminal law specialist, a former criminal prosecutor and even a professor of law at both Pepperdine University and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Our attorneys have over five decades of combined experience in criminal law, including sex crimes such as statutory rape and child molestation and we know how to build a solid defense for you. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you that sex with anyone under the age of 18 is likely to result in charges of statutory rape. In these cases, an experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that the age difference between the alleged victim and the defendant tends to play the largest part in determining the punishment. If the age difference is greater than 10 years, a prison sentence is highly possible, though your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you that no matter what the age difference is, probation, expensive fines and sex offender registration for life are almost certain if you are convicted. If you are facing charges of a sex crime, call Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to speak to an aggressive and skilled Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney and begin preparing your defense.

Fresno High School Teacher Arrested for Alleged Sexual Relationship With Student

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:18:00 GMT

A social studies teacher at a Fresno high school was arrested this month after allegations surfaced that she had had a sexual relationship with an underage high school student. Megan Denman, who is a teacher at Hoover High School, has been charged with six felony criminal charges, including three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and three counts of oral copulation. According to investigators, Denman is only being investigated because of her relationship with one unnamed student and there are no other suspected victims. Investigators in the case also claim that no illegal activity occurred on school grounds. Denman was released from police custody after posting $55,000 bail. According to reports, the alleged incidents took place between July and December of 2010. A spokeperson for the Fresno Unified School District has stated that Denman had been placed on paid administrative leave since her arrest earlier this month. Denman is expected in court this week.

While many people already know this, it bears repeating: having sex with someone under the age of 18 can be a criminal offense. As an experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you, even if both parties consented to the encounter, sex with a minor is legally defined as statutory rape. If you have been accused of statutory rape, you need a skilled and aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have been practicing criminal law for more than 50 years combined and we can help you find the best result for your situation. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you that if you are convicted of a sex crime such as statutory rape, the punishment will likely depend on the age difference between yourself and the alleged victim. In cases where there is an age difference of 10 years or more, jail or prison time is likely to be given. Even in cases where the age difference between the defendent and the alleged victim is smaller, punishments such as probation, expensive fines and even sex offender registration for life are likely. However, an experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that with the right defense, many charges of statutory rape can be reduced or even dismissed. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys employ our very own private investigator to interview witnesses and dig deeper for evidence to support your side of the story. If you are facing charges of a sex crime, call us today at 1-877-781-1570 to speak to a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney about your case and begin preparing your defense.

Man Sentenced to 764 Years in Prison for Sex Crimes

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 04:03:00 GMT

A southern California man was sentenced to 764 years in prison earlier this month after being convicted of sexually assaulting 10 women. Robert Charles Lee, who was facing 36 different criminal charges, was convicted this past March of 26 counts, including nine counts of forcible rape and 13 counts of forcible oral copulation. Lee's conviction also included six counts of burglary, four counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object and one count each of sodomy by use of force and assault with the intent to commit a felony. According to reports, Lee attacked many of his victims in their own homes, sometimes at knife-point in a string of violence that began in 1997 and lasted nearly 10 years. The victims were residents of both Los Angeles and Orange Counties, many of them elderly and even disabled. Lee was a Fullerton resident when DNA evidence linked him to multiple attacks in Los Angeles, Gardena, Carson and Brea in 2006.

You do not have to be a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney to know that a 764 year prison sentence is tough punishment indeed. If you are facing allegations of a sex crime, you are facing potentially life-altering consequences and you need to speak to an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney as quickly as you can. If you have already been arrested on suspicion of a sex crime, do not utter a word to the police or investigators—simply ask for a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney. The vast majority of sex crimes in this state are considered felony criminal offenses that could easily send you to prison for several years. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that many sex crimes are also "strike" offenses under California's "Three Strikes" laws. Under these laws, a person who is convicted of three eligible criminal offenses is sentenced to life in prison, often without the possibility of parole. Being convicted of one strike offense also subjects you to longer and harsher punishments if you are convicted of a second eligible criminal offense. Even if you are not sentenced to life in prison, your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that potential sex offender registry can make life outside of prison very difficult indeed. As a registered sex offender, information such as details about the crime you were convicted of, your name and even your address are made available to the public through an online database. This information is accessible to potential employers, landlords, coworkers and friends. Being accused of a sex crime is serious and often frightening, but it does not have to ruin your life. Call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to speak to a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away.

Canadian Man Posing as Justin Bieber Arrested for Child Pornography

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:49:00 GMT

A Canadian man who posed as singer Justin Bieber online has been arrested by Canadian authorities on charges related to child pornography. Lee Moir, who is 34 years old, was charged with luring, manufacturing child pornography and extortion after he posed as the famous singer on the social networking site Facebook and initiated a video chat with a 12-year-old girl. Moir is said to have threatened to harm the girl's family unless she engaged in unspecified acts of a sexual nature while video chatting with him. Law enforcement in the United States were initially investigating the case until they found out that Moir lived in Toronto, Canada, then referred the case to Canadian law enforcement agents. Canadian authorities then posed as a 14-year-old girl online and engaged Moir in sexual conversations online and agreed to meet with him in person. Moir was arrested by law enforcement agents when he showed up to meet with the fictitious girl. No word has been given as to when Moir is expected in court or what types of punishment he is facing.

While Moir's arrest occurred in Canada, an experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you that child pornography charges are taken very seriously here in the United States. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can explain to you that while the bulk of pornography (whether in photo or video form) is legal in the United States, any images or video depicting any person under the age of 18 in what can be construed as a sexual manner are illegal and could land you in prison. Being convicted of producing, distributing or even possessing child pornography can also require you to register as a sex offender, perhaps for life. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that in many cases, being convicted of a sex crime is often more punishing than being convicted of nearly any other crime. In most cases, a conviction for a serious criminal offense would include jail or prison time, and potentially parole after release. In the case of many sex crimes, however, even after a prison sentence is served, the punishment keeps on coming with sex offender registration. A Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that with sex offender registration comes a social stigma that is difficult to overcome. In addition, being convicted of certain sex crimes, especially those involving children, may bar you from work that brings you into contact with children, or even from living or spending time in places where children hang out such as schools or parks. Being charged with a sex offense is a scary thing, but the right Los Angele Sex Crime Defense Attorney can be an immense help. Call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to find out what your options are.

School Board Member Charged with Multiple Felonies

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 01:27:00 GMT

A member of the Moreno Valley Unified School District has been arrested and charged with over 10 felony criminal offenses, including pimping, pandering and rape. Mike Luis Rios, who is 41 years old, was arrested by local police near his home in Moreno Valley. Rios reportedly tried to get six women, two of which were actually girls under the age of 18, to work as prostitutes. The two minors were offered the use of his car and his house if they would agree to work for him. In at least one case, Rios is said to have told one woman that he was a member of the Moreno Valley Unified School District's board and asked her if she needed a job. In another case, Rios reportedly put up an ad on the internet advertising employment. Rios is being charged with six counts of pandering, three counts of pimping and two counts of rape by force or fear. In an unrelated case, Rios has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, as well as one count of witness intimidation related to a shooting on February 13^th that occurred in front of his home. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

As an experienced Los Angles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can attest, prostitution is illegal, and anyone connected to the act of prostitution in some way is likely to suffer legal consequences as a result. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you that pimping and pandering are actually quite similar criminal offenses. Both involve procuring sexual services for someone, collecting some or all of the prostitute's money, or even transporting someone to a location where prostitution is supposed to occur. Pandering in particular refers more specifically to recruiting a person to become a prostitute. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that being convicted of prostitution or pimping is punishable by mandatory jail time, probation, expensive fines, and potential court-ordered counseling and HIV testing. If you are facing charges of a serious criminal offense such as a sex crime, call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to speak to an aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience in helping people combat criminal charges, including sex crimes. If you have been arrested for a sex crime, call us today to speak to a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away.

Toth Placed on FBI's "Most Wanted" List

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:54:00 GMT

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has reportedly replaced terrorist Osama bin Laden on its list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives with a former school teacher from Maryland who is accused of producing and possessing child pornography. Eric Justin Toth, who is just 30 years old, was charged with one count of producing child pornography in 2008 after law enforcement agents found pornographic images on a school camera that was in his possession. Toth disappeared before agents could complete the initial investigation. According to reports, Toth was last thought to be living in Arizona in 2009, most likely seeking work as either a tutor or a male nanny. Investigators also believe Toth may have lived in Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota since his indictment in 2008. The FBI is currently offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the former third grade teacher's capture. Toth is facing a minimum of 15 years in prison if he is captured and convicted of producing and possessing child pornography. Toth is the 495^th person to be put on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. In the year since bin Laden's capture, the FBI has been searching field offices for candidates to replace him on their list. Toth was placed on the list because his appearance (he is 6'3" and just 155 lbs., with a mole under his left eye) might make it difficult for him to continue evading capture once more people were aware that he was wanted on criminal charges.

As Toth's case demonstrates, charges of child pornography are taken very seriously in this country. If you are facing criminal charges related to the possession or production of child pornography, you need an aggressive and skilled Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have over five decades of experience in helping people battle sex crime charges and we know how to fight for you. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that while pornography is legal in this country, any video or photos containing children under the age of 18 in sexually explicit situations is strictly illegal and can not only land you in a federal prison, but could also require you to register as a sex offender for life. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that sex offender registration is sometimes so much more damaging that even a prison stint because of the social stigma that sex crimes carry. If you have been charged with a sex crime, call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today to speak to a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney about your case and begin preparing your defense right away.

Boot Camp Operator Charged with Sexual Assault

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:59:00 GMT

A man who worked as a boot camp operator for troubled youth has been charged with sexually assaulting two teenage girls. Kelvin Bernard McFarland, who is 42 years old, pleaded not guilty in a Pasadena court to five felony counts, including oral copulation of a person under the age of 16, forcible rape, sexual penetration by a foreign object. According to reports, the assaults to both victims took place in March and December of 2004 when both girls were 14 years old. It remains unclear as to whether or not the victims were participants in the boot camp in which McFarland worked. McFarland is being held in police custody on $275,000 bail. McFarland has also been charged in a separate criminal case involving allegations of abuse of children at the boot camp. In that case, victims are accusing McFarland of kidnapping, false imprisonment and extortion. McFarland is next scheduled to appear in court on April 17^th.

As McFarland's case demonstrates, allegations of sexual abuse and assault are very serious. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that sex crimes are sometimes even more damaging than other crimes because of the social stigma attached to them, especially when children are involved. If you have been arrested for a sex crime, call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to speak to an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney about your case right away. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have exactly the experience and skill you need because we have been fighting for people just like you for a combined five decades. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that an aggressive defense is needed in sex crime cases. Aside from the social stigma, the vast majority of sex crimes in California are felony criminal offense that can land you in a state prison for several years. Additionally, many sex crimes are "strike" offenses, and being convicted of three eligible strike offenses can send you straight to a state prison for life, often without the possibility of parole. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, we know that there are two sides to every story, which is why we employ our very own private investigator to ensure that you have as much evidence in your favor as possible. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney also knows that sex crimes are often committed in private settings with few or even no witnesses to help back up your side of the story. Call Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today to talk to a skilled Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney and begin building your defense.

Homeless Man Sentenced for Sex Crime

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:41:00 GMT

A homeless man in Moreno Valley was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of statutory rape. James Russell Watkins, who is a convicted sex offender, was on parole at the time of his latest arrest. Watkins was sentenced by a judge instead of a jury. Had the case been decided by a jury, Watkins could have received up to nine years instead of the five he was given. According to reports, Watkins had previously been convicted of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under the age of 14 and had been living in a tent in Moreno Valley when he met two girls, one 17 and one 16, at a party in San Bernardino last summer. Both girls began visiting Watkins at his tent. At his arrest, Watkins admitted to having had sex with the unnamed 17-year-old girl, telling law enforcement agent that he and the girl were in love, though he denied having had sex with the 16-year-old girl. In an odd twist, the 17-year-old girl is said to have been the sister of the victim involved in that sex offense that resulted in Watkins' first conviction. Since both crimes were felony "strike" offenses, Watkins is now a two "strike" offender and could be looking at life in prison if he commits another eligible felony criminal offense after being released.

As an experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can explain, even when sex is consented to by two people, their respective ages can still make it a crime. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that even consensual sex with a person under the age of 18 if you, yourself, are 18 or older is what is called statutory rape. Though not all cases of statutory rape are alike, an experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you that most cases are punishable by a prison sentence, probation, sex offender registration, expensive fines, or a combination of all four. In cases of statutory rape, the age respective ages of the defendant and the alleged victim can mean the difference between prison and probation. In cases where there is an age difference of 10 years or more, a prison sentence is the likely punishment in the event that you are convicted. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that the majority of sex crimes in California are also serious felony criminal offenses, many of them "strike" offenses. Under California's "Three Strikes" laws, any person convicted of three eligible felony criminal offenses can be sent to prison for life without the possibility of parole. If you are facing charges of a sex crime, call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to speak to an aggressive and experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney about your case.

Adoptive Father Arrested for Rape and Abuse of Children

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 20:13:00 GMT

An adoptive father in Troy, Ohio was arrested last week for raping his three adopted children and allowing other men to have sex with them. Kenneth Brandt, who is 39 years old, had legally adopted three children from the state of Texas in 2011 and was in the process of adopting a fourth child who was already living with him. The group of children included three boys and one girl who ranged in age from 9 to 12 years old. According to reports, Brandt was caught in an undercover operation in which a local law enforcement agent went online and made arrangements with Brant to have sex with one of his children. One of the children is said to have told police that two other men besides his adoptive father had had sex with him. Brandt has been charged with three counts of rape and one count of compelling prostitution. The two other men who allegedly had sex with the children, 29-year-old Jason Zwick and 31-year-old Patrick Rieder were also arrested. The private adoption agency that helped Brandt adopt the children is currently under investigation. The 10-year-old boy who first told investigators about his adoptive father's illegal activities was reluctant to give any information at first because, as he told investigators, he was afraid of being separated from his new brothers and sister.

As any experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you, being accused of a sex crime is a very serious matter. Sex crimes involving children are even more difficult to deal with. If you have been accused of a sex crime, call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to speak to an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience in helping people deal with sex crime charges and we know that the best defense is one that begins right away and is very aggressive. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that the vast majority of sex crimes in the state of California are considered felony criminal offenses that can put you in jail or prison for years if you are convicted. Public opinion tends to favor victims of alleged sex crimes as well, which is why such strict laws and punishments have been created to deal with people convicted of a sex crime. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that, for many people, the punishment does not stop once a jail or prison sentence is served. Being forced to register as a sex offender places limits on where you can live and what jobs you can apply for. In many cases, having a sex offense conviction may also make it difficult to meet new people or even stay in touch with old friends or even family members. If you are facing charges of a sex crime, you need a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney who is on your side and willing to fight for you. Call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today to begin preparing your defense.

Middle School Teacher Arrested for Child Pornography

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:47:00 GMT

A San Bernardino middle school teacher was arrested for child pornography this week after investigators found that he had exchanged sexually explicit photos with a 13-year-old girl living in New Jersey. Eugene Ballantyne, who is 29 years old, worked as a social studies teacher at Arrowview Middle School until officials for the San Bernardino Unified School District placed him on leave two weeks ago. Ballantyne reportedly met the 13-year-old girl in an internet chat room in early January of this year and exchanged a series of e-mails, phone calls and sexually explicit photographs with her via cell phone. The mother of the young girl called local law enforcement agents in South Brunswick, New Jersey town where she lives with her daughter on January 28th and volunteered the girl's cell phone account records. Police in New Jersey as well as investigators for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) were able to trace the phone calls and e-mails to Ballantyne, even though he had used the false name John Baldwin and had claimed to be a teacher in another southern California city. Once confronted by investigators, Ballantyne admitted to having exchanged photos with a 15-year-old girl two years earlier and traveling nearly 200 miles the previous summer to have sex with a 17-year-old girl. Ballantyne remains in police custody and is scheduled to appear in court next week.

As an experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you, age is far more than just a number where state and federal laws are concerned. If you have been arrested for a sex crime, call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today to speak to a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have the experience you need, right when you need it most. Our attorneys have over five decades of collective experience in dealing with sex crimes and we know how to defend you. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you, for example, that the majority of sex crimes are felony criminal offenses that can land you in jail or prison if convicted, in addition to potential forced registry as a sex offender. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can also tell you that 18 is an almost magic number where the law is concerned. At the age of 18, a person is legally considered an adult who is capable of making their own decisions. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney can tell you that 18 is the age of consent in which a sexual relationship becomes legal. Having a sexual relationship with a person under the age of 18, including simply exchanging photos that are sexual in nature, is illegal and could subject you to either statutory rape or child pornography charges. If you need an aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney, call Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to begin preparing your defense.

Hemet High School Teacher Arrested For Having Sex With a Student

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:25:00 GMT

A high school teacher in Hemet was arrested by local law enforcement agents last week for allegedly having sex with a male student. Janel Ramirez, who taught English at Hemet High School, was arrested following an investigation after Hemet school district officials called the sheriff's department to report that she may have been involved in a sexual relationship with one of the high school's students back in December. According to reports, Ramirez, who is 31 years old, was herself a student at Hemet High and graduated in 1999. She had been working in the Hemet school district since 2007.

If you are facing allegations of a sex crime, you need an experienced and aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away. At Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have the kind of experience that is only gained through nearly 50 years of combined work in helping people fight criminal charges of all types, including sex crimes, and we know how to fight for you. Your Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that the best defense against sex crime charges is one that begins right away. When you are arrested for a sex crime, before you talk to the police, ask to speak to a Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney right away. Most television crime shows have acquainted people with what are called Miranda Rights. Specifically, the fact that anything you say to police can and will be used against you if your case goes to trial. An experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney knows that Miranda Rights are in place as part of the basic freedom in this nation to not incriminate ourselves. Once you have contacted an experienced Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney, he or she will then comb through every detail of your case with you in order to be certain that law enforcement agents were following laws and proper procedure during your arrest and while gathering evidence against you. If law enforcement agents were not doing their jobs correctly, then evidence against you may be unusable in court. Likewise, if your arrest was not completely legal, then charges against you may be reduced or even dismissed. If you need an aggressive Los Angeles Sex Crime Defense Attorney to help you, call the offices of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today at 1-877-781-1570 to find out what your options are and begin preparing your defense.