People v. Sparks CA4/2

STATEMENT OF THE CASE

On December 21, 2021, an information charged defendant with oral copulation of

Doe1 and Doe2 (collectively, the victims), minors under 10 years of age, under Penal

Code1 section 288.7, subdivision (b) (counts 1 and 2); and having intercourse with Doe1

under section 288.7, subdivision (a) (count 3). The information alleged that defendant

committed all three counts between January 1, 2015, and May 1, 2020.

On February 25, 2022, a jury found defendant guilty of counts 1 and 2. The jury,

however, was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on count 3.

On March 25, 2022, the trial court dismissed count 3 on the prosecution’s motion.

Thereafter, the court sentenced defendant to 15 years to life for each offense, to be served

consecutively. The court also imposed fines and fees, and awarded credits.

On April 11, 2022, defendant filed a timely notice of appeal.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Doe1 was born July 2010; M.J. (Father) is her father and defendant’s daughter,

C.S. (Mother), is her mother. Doe2 was born October 2010; she is the cousin of Doe1

but “has lived with the family for a long time” and considers Doe1 as her sister. Mother

is her “mom,”…