The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney Ron Freitas, announces that Derek Young, 42, of Ceres, has pled guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault involving minors and an adult. Young’s plea was entered today, with sentencing scheduled for September 20, 2024, at 8:30 AM in Department 8C.

Young pled guilty to the following charges:

            • 4 counts Penal Code 288(b)(1) – Lewd Acts with a minor by force or fear

            •Penal Code 261(a)(2) – Rape

Young, who also worked as an assistant wrestling coach for a Stanislaus County high school, engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse involving multiple victims over more than 20 years, in both San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. The abuse was reported initially in 2013 but resurfaced in 2023 leading to a subsequent investigation by Detective Kaeli Nutt of the Ripon Police Department that revealed multiple victims and instances of abuse spanning over two decades across both counties.  

District Attorney Ron Freitas commended Detective Nutt, Judge John Soldati, and Deputy District Attorney Victor Bachand for their exceptional work on this horrific case. “This result is a testament to their dedication to the law. It brings justice to the victims and ensures that Derek Young will no longer be a threat to our community or anyone else’s”, said Freitas.

Young faces 40 years in state prison and must register as a Sex Offender under PC 290, for life.