By Redaccion
[email protected]
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Steven Wayne Bower (DOB 03/22/1970), of Ojai, was convicted by a jury of three felony counts of lewd acts upon a child.
The jury also found true several special allegations, including Bower having substantial sexual conduct and there being multiple victims.
On three occasions beginning in 2003, Bower molested two victims who were around the ages of five and nine. Twice, the incidents occurred while on camping trips and another while he was babysitting one of his victims. Bower was family friends with both girls’ parents.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Suttner, the Supervisor of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.
«Today’s verdict is a testament to the strength and resilience of the victims and their families, who have waited nearly a decade for justice,” Ms. Suttner said. “Despite the unimaginable pain and delay, they never gave up hope. We are grateful the jury held the defendant accountable, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure and healing to those affected.»
Bower is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 24 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is being held without bail in Ventura County Jail and faces a maximum of 45 years to life in state prison.
Case: 2015020122
Defendant Information:
Steven Wayne Bower (DOB 03/22/1970)
Ojai
Charges convicted of:
(3 counts) PC 288(a) – Lewd act upon a child
Special Allegations
PC 1203.066(a)(8) – Substantial sexual conduct
PC 667.61(c)/(e)(4) – Multiple victims
PC 784.7(a) – Ventura County has jurisdiction
