On Monday, an 80-year-old man from San Luis Obispo County was given a life sentence for sexually abusing several children at his wife’s unlicensed daycare.
According to a news release from the District Attorney’s Office, Pablo Reyna Esparza admitted to two special allegations and entered a guilty plea to two felonies of perpetrating indecent acts on a minor under the age of 14 on July 17. He faces a sentence of 50 years to life in prison.
At his sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Kristin Barnard stated, “Mr. Reyna Esparza has lost his freedom because of his self-centered and predatory actions in exploiting numerous children.”
According to the press release, the offenses took place at the defendant’s wife’s unlicensed daycare at their San Luis Obispo residence between 2016 and 2018. At the time of the crimes, the young survivors ranged in age from 5 to 11.
The charging paperwork listed four juvenile victims under pseudonyms. District Attorney Dan Dow stated, “We are extremely proud of these young survivors for their incredible bravery in reporting these heinous crimes, which allowed us to bring Reyna Esparza to justice.”
“An 80-year-old sexual predator should never again harm children after receiving this heavy prison sentence.” Reyna Esparza will have to register as a sex offender for life as part of the sentencing.
All parents seeking daycare are encouraged by the DA’s Office to check the California Department of Social Services Community Care licensure Division for appropriate licensure and qualifications.
