People v. Sotelo CA4/3

FACTS

In March 2011, J.L. was 15 years old. The youngest of eight children, he lived with his family in Santa Ana and attended school there. Appellant, then age 38, was a friend of J.L.’s family. He rented a room at their house and often brought them snacks from the restaurant where he worked. Appellant also gave J.L. personal items, such as clothing and perfume. They spent time together in J.L.’s room listening to music and hanging out, and appellant even cut J.L.’s hair sometimes. Appellant claimed he did these things because he liked J.L. and considered him to be like a little brother. But J.L.’s sister Martha thought it was odd J.L. spent so much time in appellant’s room and suspected something fishy was going on between them. At trial, J.L. testified that until the time this case arose, he had a good relationship with appellant and trusted him. However, when he was in appellant’s room on March 8, 2011, appellant started hugging him and wouldn’t let go. Appellant also pulled J.L.’s pants down and said he wanted to have sex with him. However, J.L. made it clear he wasn’t interested, so appellant let him go. About a week later, J.L. was at home because he had been suspended…