DATE: March 27, 2023

CASE: Howard Loveless (Case #20FE018053)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Aarseth, Special Assault & Child Abuse Unit

The Honorable Matthew Gary sentenced Howard Loveless to 424 years to life in prison.   On January 31, 2023, Loveless pled to 27 child sexual assault charges, including lewd and lascivious touching of a child under 14, lewd and lascivious touching of child with force and annoy or molest of a child. Loveless admitted to enhancements for crimes against more than one victim, substantial sexual conduct and one-strike sentencing.  He also admitted to aggravating factors that the crime involved a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, or callousness; the victim was particularly vulnerable; the manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning and sophistication; and he took advantage of a position of trust or confidence.

On November 7, 2020, Loveless babysat the then 7-year-old victim. Later that evening, the victim told her parents about sexual acts Loveless committed against her. DNA evidence linked Loveless to the sexual assault. During the investigation, Loveless admitted to sexually abusing the victim and admitted to sexually abusing another victim. The second victim confirmed to detectives that Loveless starting abusing her when she was approximately 10 years old to 20 years old.  A third victim reported that Loveless also sexually abused her when she was between 4 and 13 years old.  She stated that Loveless was violent with her and threatened to hurt her or her family if she told anyone about the abuse. A fourth 9-year-old victim reported that Loveless was inappropriate with her.