Rohnert Park Man Receives Life Sentence For Child Molestation

Martin Dewitt, of Rohnert Park, CA was sentenced today by the Honorable Shelly Averill to serve 30 years-to-Life in prison. The sentence follows a guilty plea by Dewitt, in May of this year, to 15 charges of molestation, against two separate child victims.

The allegations surfaced when one of the victims in the case, now an adult, went to the police to report abuse she had suffered as a child. During the investigation, in a call placed to him by the victim, Dewitt admitted to sexually abusing her repeatedly. He also admitted sexually abusing the second victim in the case. The abuse occurred between 2007 and 2011, while both victims were under the age of 10.

Prior to sentence being pronounced, one of the victims in the case gave an emotional and powerful victim impact statement. During the statement, the victim (identified only as “Jane Doe # 1” during criminal proceedings for her privacy) told Dewitt, “I am stronger than what you did to me.” The Judge lauded the victim for her great courage and powerful statement.

District Attorney Jill Ravitch echoed the sentiments of Judge Averill, adding, “Due to these victims’ tremendous strength and determination in seeking justice for the abuse they endured, Mr. Dewitt is going to prison, and the community is a safer place.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Ashley W Hendon, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Marilyn McCarthy, and District Attorney Victim Advocate Elizabeth Garcia. Detective Casey Quinn of Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety headed the investigation.