People v. Alaniz CA2/5

Facts In October, 2011, fourteen-year-old Patricia lived with her mother Amber P. and appellant, who was her mother’s boyfriend. Patricia was in therapy. During a therapy session, she told the therapist that appellant had sexually abused her.2 The abuse was reported to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Patricia told the investigating officer that appellant had also molested two of her friends, Jasmine and Milly. Neither had reported the abuse. Patricia was examined by Bridgett Amis, a registered nurse and sexual assault examiner. She opined that the findings from the examination were consistent with the history she had received from Patricia. At trial, Patricia testified that when she was about six years old, Amber and appellant began dating, then appellant moved into their home in Westchester. This was sometime around 2003 to 2004, as Patricia turned six in September 2003. The molestation began shortly after appellant moved in. Appellant came into Patricia’s room while her mother was in the shower and told Patricia to put her mouth on his penis. When she refused, he left, but returned with whipped cream, which he put on his penis. Patricia put her mouth on appellant’s…