On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Central Valley reported that a former Fresno County judge pleaded not guilty to sexual assault charges. Retired Superior Court Judge Adolfo Corona, who previously presided over cases involving sexual offenses, attended a status hearing where he formally entered his plea following a grand jury indictment. This indictment, which was made public in September, contains allegations that have now surfaced in detail for the first time.
The 65-year-old judge faces serious allegations, including one count of sexual penetration by force, fear, or duress—classified as a felony—and one count of sexual battery, a misdemeanor. The reported incidents are said to have occurred on March 14, shortly before Corona’s retirement in April 2024. The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the alleged assaults took place within the Fresno County Superior Court, the same location where Corona appeared in court on Thursday.
After the hearing, one of Corona’s attorneys, Michael Aed, addressed the media but refrained from discussing specifics of the case. He emphasized Corona’s long-standing career, stating, “He served 20 years as a judicial officer in good standing. He’s a compassionate, charitable, and humble man.” Aed expressed confidence that Corona looks forward to having the allegations examined in court, asserting that he believes in the criminal justice system and expects to be exonerated.
When questioned about whether the alleged victim was a courthouse employee, Aed stated that he could not provide an answer. He also noted that a grand jury had been convened for this case, but the transcript remains sealed, preventing further disclosure of details.
The allegations against Corona have drawn significant attention due to his background. Over his two-decade career on the bench, he has been involved in numerous high-profile cases, particularly those related to sex crimes, including matters involving minors. As the proceedings move forward, the retired Tulare County judge, Joseph Kalashian, will preside over the case.
Corona’s legal team indicated that there are currently no restrictions on his movements. They declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding his retirement and any potential links to the allegations now facing him. Aed reiterated the importance of focusing on the legal process rather than public opinion, stating, “The court of public opinion is not where we want to be,” and acknowledged the gravity of the accusations but affirmed their commitment to the not guilty plea.
The status hearing for the case has been scheduled to continue in December, with a tentative trial date set for January 9, 2025. If convicted, Corona could face a maximum sentence of eight years in state prison and would be required to register as a sex offender.
Source: Central Valley
