12 years in state prison for Joshua Strange who molested his stepdaughter

Intervention was continued for the sixth time to September 10 for alleged molestor Joshua Strange. Finally, this morning on the day of his preliminary hearing, the case resolved.

At the last hearing,  Deputy Public Defender Luke Brownfield said,  "the parties have a tentative resolution." The People had made a 12 year offer to Strange.

Strange pleaded to an added Count 5. Strange entered a guilty plea to the stipulated mid term of 12 years in prison for PC 288.5 (a) continuous sexual abuse of a child. The maximum term for this offense is 16 years. Strange also admitted to the special allegation of substantial sexual conduct with a minor and waived his right to appeal.

Strange was charged with four counts. Count 1 and 2 are oral copulation/sexual penetration with a child under 10. Count 3 and 4 is lewd and lascivious act with a child under the age of 14 years. Counts 1 to 4 were dismissed.

The maximum term for parole is 20 years. Strange has to register as a sex offender for life. This is a strike offense and Strange cannot receive morethan 15% of custody credits.

Judge Kaleb Cockrum took the plea. Strange entered an Arbuckle waiver. Sentencing is on October 7. Time was not waived for sentencing but the case was referred to probation at defense request.

Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads was present for the People. The victim, Jane Doe was Strange's step daughter. She was born in 2005 and lived with her mother and siblings in the same house as Strange. Jane Doe reported the molestation in July 2018. One of her concerns was that Strange's biological daughter is the same age.

In a pretext call, Strange admitted to the conduct and told Jane Doe she was the only one her age with whom he engaged in such behavior.

Jane Doe said there were five to seven incidents. "Most of the acts were in the defendant's bed," said Ms. Eads.

After admitting to the plea and saying he understood what he was doing and had time to consult with his lawyer, Strange acted typically as most Humboldt molestors have and shook his head as the factual basis was stated. Shirking responsibility and denial right after he said "yes your Honor to the plea."

I covered this case regularly and extensively and the complaint filed has some specifics not covered in today's factual basis. It can be accessed via the search feature on this blog and looking up all coverage on this case.

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