MARTINEZ — A Concord man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for numerous felony convictions related to molesting a girl during a sleepover at his home.
John Benny Gomez, 50, was convicted last year of nine felonies, including lewd and lascivious acts with a girl less than 10 years old at the time. Authorities say he forced the girl to perform oral sex on him, showed her pornographic images and gave her an alcoholic beverage.
The charges were brought to light when the victim, known in court records only as Jane Doe, told a school official about what had happened. The school official in turn contacted police.
The terms of the sentence say that Gomez will not be eligible for parole until after 70 years, virtually guaranteeing he will die in prison unless he successfully appeals. The sentenced was handed down by Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Lewis Davis.
Gomez continues to deny the crimes took place, Deputy District Attorney Diana Weiss, who prosecuted the case, said in a written statement as part of a Contra Costa County District Attorney news release.
“The victim in this case is an innocent young girl. She did not ask for this. She was incredibly brave during this entire process, ” Weiss said, later adding: “I also want to express my deep appreciation for the jury in this case. The jurors heard ample evidence that the defendant was the sole person responsible for his criminal conduct.”
