Mark Dare could be sentenced to life in prison

The District Attorney sent out a press release on the Mark Dare verdict today. Defense is preparing a statement of mitigation. I have reported on Dare's previous convictions for domestic violence and substance abuse.

Yesterday, a jury found Mark Alan Dare, 58, of Humboldt Hill, guilty of multiple sexual assault offenses involving children 10-years-old or younger and Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.  The verdict followed a three-week jury trial, held in the large conference room at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall to minimize risk of disease transmission.

The case arose in January 2018 after 14-year-old Jane Doe 1 told her high school teacher that her stepfather, Dare, had molested her as a child.  After learning of her sister’s bravery in coming forward, Jane Doe 2 disclosed to law enforcement that she also had been abused by Dare.  In a subsequent interview of the defendant, Humboldt County District Attorney Senior Investigator (DAI) Steve Dunn obtained admissions from Dare that proved essential to establishing his guilt.  During a search of Dare’s residence, Investigators with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office seized several computers, phones, and other electronic devices.  During the trial, Detective Donald Rowberry of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force testified that analysis of the seized evidence revealed child pornography and computer searches that included, “statute of limitations: child molestation.”

Most importantly at trial, Jane Doe 1 (now 17 years old), and Jane Doe 2 (21) provided crucial testimony.  Each spent over six hours on the witness stand and showed incredible resiliency and courage in testifying in the face of their abuser.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm with assistance from DAI Steve Dunn and District Attorney Victim Witness Advocate Caitlyn LaHaie.

Judge Kaleb Cockrum presided over the trial and Humboldt County Public Defender Marek Reavis represented the defendant.

The defendant now faces sentencing on November 19, 2020, when he could receive life in prison.