Coalinga Man Sentenced to 176 Years to Life After Jury Convicts Him of Sexual Abuse

COALINGA, FRESNO COUNTY — November 7, 2026. A Fresno County Superior Court judge sentenced Josiah Lee Pacheco, 36, to a combined 176 years to life following a jury conviction in a sexual abuse case involving three children and an adult, the county District Attorney’s Office reported.

The court’s decision

Judge Gabriel Brickey imposed a six-year term followed by 170 years to life on November 6. Jurors found Pacheco guilty on all eight counts on October 8 after a trial that began September 24. The District Attorney said the crimes occurred between 2018 and 2024. Jurors also sustained allegations involving multiple victims.

Background of the case

Prosecutors cited an earlier 2009 conviction that qualified as a prior strike. The present convictions involved offenses against minors and an adult. California58 is not publishing graphic details or information that could identify the children.

What is confirmed and what is not

This is a sentence following a conviction, not a pending allegation or merely an arrest. Any appeal or later change to the sentence would require a separate verified court record. People who suspect current abuse of a child should contact the appropriate child protective or law-enforcement agency, and call emergency services if anyone faces immediate danger.

Source: GV Wire, October–November 2026.

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