FRESNO, CA (KFSN) \u2014\u00a0An Oregon man was sentenced Wednesday in Fresno County to eight years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in a case that prosecutors say began through social media.<\/p>\n
James Ellis, 53, appeared in court, where a judge handed down the sentence, two years after the December 2023 incident that led to his arrest.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors said Ellis contacted the girl online and arranged to meet her. Authorities said the encounter ended when the girl\u2019s grandfather intervened, prompting Ellis to flee and leave the victim at a gas station. He was later arrested by Fresno police.<\/p>\n
During the sentencing hearing, Ellis reacted as prosecutors reviewed details of the assault. Senior Deputy District Attorney David Devencenzi emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the victim\u2019s age.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are predators out there, and there are predators that do these things.. And he was one of them. So I\u2019m glad we got him in prison,\u201d Devencenzi said.<\/p>\n
Defense attorney Jon Renge argued for probation, pointing to statements the victim made during initial interviews with law enforcement. Renge referenced her account as part of his argument.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust put aside 50 and 12 for the moment, and look at the vulnerability of the complaining witness in this case,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also cited the victim\u2019s statements that she was not held against her will, adding, \u201c12 years old is indeed young, but kids are growing up much faster these days.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prosecutors strongly pushed back on that argument.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe victim in this was 12 years old. No matter her conduct, she\u2019s underage. She obviously can\u2019t consent,\u201d Devencenzi said.<\/p>\n
Devencenzi also questioned Ellis\u2019s actions after being confronted by the victim\u2019s grandfather.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople don\u2019t flee when they believe they\u2019re with a consenting adult,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The defense maintained that Ellis did not know the victim\u2019s age and had cooperated with investigators by providing access to his electronic devices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not victim shaming; these are facts of law enforcement\u2019s investigation,\u201d Renge said.<\/p>\n
However, the judge said the victim had told Ellis her true age and that he responded, \u201cCool.\u201d Investigators also found evidence on Ellis\u2019s devices, including a search reading, \u201cHow do you delete Snapchat history?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ellis addressed the court and described his actions as \u201cdisgusting.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to his prison sentence, Ellis will be required to register as a sex offender for life.<\/p>\n
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