DATE:  May 6, 2021

CASE:  Frank Diaz (Case #19FE021059)

PROSECUTOR:  Deputy District Attorney Dinah Mielke, Special Assault & Child Abuse Unit

The Honorable Ernest Sawtelle sentenced Frank Diaz to 40 years in prison.  On April 8, 2021, a jury convicted Diaz of six counts of child sexual assault.  Four of the charges were committed using force.  A special allegation of substantial sexual conduct was also found true.

Frank Diaz was a family friend of the victim.  On June 28, 2019, the victim was home alone with Diaz when he went into the victim’s bedroom and sexually assaulted her.  When she contacted a relative to disclose the abuse, Diaz attempted to harm himself with a knife trying to manipulate the victim into changing her story.  He then fled the home.  The victim later disclosed that Diaz had been sexually assaulting her once a week since she was 8 or 9 years old.