Abel Anastasio has been ordered to stand trial on multiple felony charges related to the sexual abuse of a child. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Anastasio remains free under supervision while awaiting trial. He faces charges including sexual penetration of a child, forcible lewd acts upon a child, and continuous sexual abuse of a child, with a potential sentence of up to 46 years in prison if convicted. He would also be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Modoc County Sheriff Tex Dowdy expressed strong disapproval of the court’s decision to allow Anastasio to remain out of custody. Sheriff Dowdy emphasized that there was clear probable cause for the charges and questioned why every effort was not made to keep Anastasio in custody, especially given that the county is not facing jail overcrowding issues.
The Modoc County District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney Nina Salerno, did not comment on the specific conditions of Anastasio’s release, noting that the case was filed before her tenure. Anastasio has been under supervision since his initial arraignment.
The community has reacted with concern, with some residents questioning the decision to allow Anastasio to remain free given the severity of the charges. There is particular unease due to the presence of more than 40 registered sex offenders in the area.
Anastasio is also linked to a previous case involving the suspicious death of his own child, though authorities have stated there is no known connection between the two cases. The case against Anastasio is ongoing, with a future court date yet to be announced. Judge Wendy Dier did not preside over the preliminary hearing.
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