WATSONVILLE — A Watsonville man was arrested Tuesday for child sex crimes, and court documents indicate there could be multiple victims.
Juan Manuel Corona, 60, has been charged with lewd and lascivious acts against a child, false imprisonment, and rape by force or fear. He is being held in Santa Cruz County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.
Corona was in court Thursday morning for his arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty. He returns to court on Sept. 5, to have his preliminary hearing set.
According to court documents, Corona’s victim, now 46, was about 14 when the crimes occurred. She reported the crimes on Aug. 19.
Prosecutors asked for Corona’s bail to be increased from $100,000 because there are multiple victims, court records show. The records also state that prosecutors believe Corona may have the financial means to post the lower bail and flee to Mexico.
In addition, court records state that Corona’s crimes involved “substantial sexual conduct,” and that Corona has confessed to multiple family members.
payback in prison