LIHUE, Kauai — A Kapaa woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in a child sexual abuse case, months after pleading no contest to charges. ADVERTISING LIHUE, Kauai — A Kapaa woman has been sentenced to 20 years
LIHUE, Kauai — A Kapaa woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in a child sexual abuse case, months after pleading no contest to charges.
Jean Agonoy Paleracio was sentenced Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court after pleading no contest to videotaping her sexual acts with a child, the Garden Island reported.
Paleracio, a former worker with the Kauai Economic Opportunity Early Learning Center, was given two concurrent 20-year terms. Prosecutors said Paleracio engaged in sexual activity with a boy between May 1, 2009, and Sept. 1, 2010.
“There’s no other way to put it, Miss Paleracio, other than you took ultimate advantage of a young boy,” Judge Kathleen Watanabe said.
Paleracio used to work with children and should appreciate more than most, the long-term traumatic effects on the child forced to commit a sexual act, the judge said. A prosecutor said the child is probably scarred for life.
Paleracio pleaded no contest to first-degree sexual assault and first-degree promotion of child abuse, and eight other felony charges were dismissed in December.
Paleracio was accused of producing or participating in preparation of child pornography materials with a minor engaging in or assisting others to engage in sexual conduct. Prosecutor Lisa Arin said Paleracio cooperated with the investigation early on. Because Paleracio understood the reality of the situation and showed true remorse, the state did not recommend consecutive sentences, Arin said.
County prosecuting attorney Justin Kollar said he was pleased the victim will not be exposed to the trauma of a trial.
“Ms. Paleracio’s actions were sickening and predatory and cannot be tolerated in our community,” Kollar said.
