Retired Fresno County judge indicted on sexual assault charges
Judge Adolfo Corona is now a defendant in his own criminal case just one floor above his old courtroom.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A dramatic scene unfolded at the Fresno County Courthouse Monday as a retired judge faces a criminal case against him.
A grand jury indicted retired Judge Adolfo Corona on one count of sexual penetration by force and another count of sexual battery.
Action News wasn't allowed to show his face in court, but we caught up with him outside.
"No comment," Corona told our cameras.
While in court, Corona pleaded not guilty through his criminal defense attorney.
A visiting judge from Tulare County is presiding over the case.
"At this time, we will acknowledge receipt of the indictment, waive formal arraignment and further advisement of Constitutional and statutory rights, and enter pleas of not guilty," said Eddie Ruiz, Corona's defense attorney.
Fresno County prosecutors say the alleged sexual assault took place on March 14th.
It's unclear where the incident happened, but at the time, Judge Corona presided over juvenile court cases. He retired later that month.
Prosecutors brought evidence before a grand jury over the summer.
In this document obtained by Action News, you can see the signature of Grand Juror #6, who was the foreperson.
Their signature officially indicted Corona on July 26th.
However, the documents and the case were sealed until Monday morning.
"I'll ask formally for a copy of the grand jury transcript. I'd ask for any and all discovery related to this case," said Ruiz.
Action News was only allowed to sit in on the court proceeding as Judge Corona's charges became public.
Once out of the courthouse, we asked him about the allegations.
"Judge Corona, do you have any comment on what happened in there, sir?" asked Action News reporter Gabe Ferris.
"No comment," Corona responded.
"Will you be able to post bail today? Have you sexually assaulted anybody, sir? Can victims trust that they got a fair shake in your courtroom, sir?" replied Ferris.
Corona did not respond to those questions.
He paid $70,000 in bail and is due back in court in November.
Attorneys have also set a potential trial date for January.
If convicted, he could face up to 8 years in prison.
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