Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

KINGS COUNTY — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the sentencing of Eugene Anthony Souza for the sexual abuse of a young family member in Kings County. Souza was sentenced to the maximum possible sentence of 36 years in state prison after a judge found him guilty of all charges following a bench trial. The felony charges were continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 14.

“Let this conviction stand as a clear and stern warning; there is no refuge for those who exploit or abuse children. This 36-year sentence reflects the severity of this horrific crime and ensures that Souza will be held fully accountable,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I want to commend the courage of this young survivor and her family for pursuing justice on her behalf. My office will continue to pursue justice relentlessly, support survivors every step of the way, and diligently investigate these crimes. Above all, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the children of California and to ensure they can grow up safe, supported, and free from harm.”

Souza abused the family member on an almost weekly basis starting when she was 8 and continuing until she was 11. This case was originally investigated by the Kings County Sheriff’s Office and was referred to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) after the Kings County District Attorney’s Office was recused. DOJ conducted further investigation and DOJ’s Criminal Law Division’s Appeals, Writs and Trials Section prosecuted the case. The mission of this section is to uphold the Attorney General’s constitutional responsibility to represent the people of California in criminal cases, handle post-conviction proceedings, including prosecuting felony criminal appeals in state court, and representing the state in habeas corpus cases brought in federal court. In addition, this section handles criminal investigations, conducts evidentiary hearings, and prosecutes cases in which the local district attorney has been recused, has a conflict of interest, or requests DOJ’s assistance.