Fresno County man jailed on rape, child molestation charges

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno County man is in jail on charges of rape and child molestation. Cha Yang, 38, turned himself in to the Fresno County Jail early Wednesday after he knew Fresno County sheriff's deputies were looking for him. Yang pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned Friday in court.

Deputies believe the abuse had been going on for about eight months before the victim came forward. Investigators aren't sure what prompted the victim to confide in a staff member at her school Tuesday about sexual abuse she says has been going on since the beginning of the school year.

"Maybe she felt then was the time to confide in somebody, she was fed up. We don't know why, but we're glad that she did," said sheriff's spokesman Tony Botti.

Deputies say the suspect is cooperating, but officials won't say whether he has given a confession. Yang is facing eight felony counts that include rape and other sex charges. Detectives say the crimes were happening at his residence.

"We think this is a very good case, very good for the citizens of Fresno County, obviously for this young girl to get Cha Yang off the streets," said Botti.

Investigators believe the victim is telling the truth and say the evidence against Yang is solid. Friday, the suspect's relatives did not want to talk on camera. He is the primary provider for his family, and they said his arrest has been shocking and devastating.

Yang does not have any other prior criminal history. At this point, investigators say they do not know if there are any other victims.