Retired Fresno County judge indicted by federal grand jury on sexual assault charges

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Former Fresno County Judge Adolfo Corona is now facing federal charges after a federal grand jury indicted him on five counts for deprivation of rights tied to an alleged sexual assault, making false statements, and trying to alter documents.

The federal indictment, unsealed Friday and obtained by Action News, lays out a string of alleged criminal behavior dating back nearly two years.

In December 2023, federal prosecutors say Corona sexually assaulted a judicial assistant who was 23 years his junior, allegedly leaving her passed out with her pants unbuttoned in his chambers.

Months later, in March 2024, federal prosecutors say he assaulted another judicial assistant who was more than 30 years his junior in a courthouse stairwell.

Then, as the FBI closed in, federal prosecutors say Corona knowingly made false statements during two interviews and tried to falsify records to create an alibi.

Action News has now learned Corona plans to deny the charges.

"Adolfo Corona maintains his innocence," defense attorney Margarita Martinez-Baly said. "He will be entering a not guilty plea. He looks forward to his day in court."

With the indictment naming the Fresno County Superior Court as the site of the alleged crimes, courthouse officials are refusing to comment on the federal indictment but say, "The Court remains committed to maintaining a safe workplace for all employees."

Last September, in a dramatic scene, Corona returned to his former workplace, where a Fresno County grand jury also indicted him.

The former judge pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual penetration by force and another count of sexual battery.

"Judge Corona, do you have any comment on what happened in there, sir?" Action News asked last fall.

"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?" Action News asked following his county arraignment.

Corona did not respond to those questions.

The former judge currently remains out of custody and is set to appear before a federal judge to plead not guilty. He could face up to 80 years in federal prison if convicted.

Officials at the Fresno County District Attorney's Office confirm they are coordinating with federal prosecutors to determine how to move forward with the county charges.

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