Oregon man sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a child in Fresno County

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- An 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.

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.

Prosecutors said Ellis contacted the girl online and arranged to meet her. Authorities said the encounter ended when the girl's grandfather intervened, prompting Ellis to flee and leave the victim at a gas station. He was later arrested by Fresno police.

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's age.

"There are predators out there, and there are predators that do these things.. And he was one of them. So I'm glad we got him in prison," Devencenzi said.

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.

"Just put aside 50 and 12 for the moment, and look at the vulnerability of the complaining witness in this case," he said.

He also cited the victim's statements that she was not held against her will, adding, "12 years old is indeed young, but kids are growing up much faster these days."

Prosecutors strongly pushed back on that argument.

"The victim in this was 12 years old. No matter her conduct, she's underage. She obviously can't consent," Devencenzi said.

Devencenzi also questioned Ellis's actions after being confronted by the victim's grandfather.

"People don't flee when they believe they're with a consenting adult," he said.

The defense maintained that Ellis did not know the victim's age and had cooperated with investigators by providing access to his electronic devices.

"This is not victim shaming; these are facts of law enforcement's investigation," Renge said.

However, the judge said the victim had told Ellis her true age and that he responded, "Cool." Investigators also found evidence on Ellis's devices, including a search reading, "How do you delete Snapchat history?"

Ellis addressed the court and described his actions as "disgusting."

In addition to his prison sentence, Ellis will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

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