FILLMORE : Man Pleads Guilty to Molesting Girl, 16
A 46-year-old Fillmore man pleaded guilty Monday in Ventura County Municipal Court to sexually molesting a 16-year-old girl over a period of years.
John Phillip Gaede, who was charged with 11 counts of child molestation at an arraignment Monday, pleaded guilty to four counts of child molestation of a victim under the age of 14, Deputy Dist. Atty. Patrice D. Koenig said. The last incident occurred more than a year ago, Koenig said.
Defense attorney James M. Farley said his client admitted the crimes to avoid a trial.
“We discussed it and he decided that’s what he wanted to do, rather than put anybody through the trauma of the legal system,†Farley said.
Gaede also admitted a special allegation that he committed the crimes while in a position of trust, Farley said.
The seven remaining charges will be dismissed at the July 1 sentencing, Koenig said.
Gaede will face up to 14 years in state prison when he is sentenced by Superior Court Judge Lawrence Storch, Farley said.
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