SAN BERNARDINO – A man who molested a child under the age of 11-years-old was sentenced to the maximum possible term on Tuesday. Charles Caldon, 69, of Barstow will serve 40 years to life in prison for sodomy and other sex crimes against the child.
“I hope that the maximum sentence will make him really think about what he did to me so that one day he will admit to it,” the victim, now 11, told Judge John Tomberlin at the sentencing hearing for Charles Caldon. “And I hope that other people will hear my story and it will give them the courage to stand up and tell someone about what is happening to them so that they can find themselves standing where I am today.”
Caldon was found guilty of sodomy, oral copulation, and sexual penetration with the child under 11 years of age. The victim testified that Caldon began molesting her when she turned five years of age, but the victim, now 11-years-old did not disclose the sexual abuse to her parents until 2014. When investigating, sexual images of children were found on the computer in Caldon’s home.
“This was a terrible series of crimes in which the defendant took advantage of a position of trust to sexually abuse this young girl,” said Deputy District Attorney David Foy, who prosecuted the case. The victim expressed appreciation to her family, sheriff deputies, and prosecutors for supporting and believing her.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me and believed me during this incredibly difficult time so that no little girl should ever have to go through,” she said. “And while what happened to me will always be a part of me, I will not let it define me.”
