Defendant Convicted of 41 Counts Child Molest, Exploitation of 12 Victims
DATE: March 11, 2022
CASE: Michael Leonard (Case #19FE014579)
PROSECUTOR: Supervising Deputy District Attorney Chris Ore, Special Assault & Child Abuse Unit
Michael Leonard was convicted by a jury of 41 counts of various child molestation and exploitation charges involving 12 victims. The jury also found true a multiple victim enhancement.
For nearly 16 years, Michael Leonard lured children into his home where he molested and exploited them. He met many of the victims at different children’s events and venues he would frequent. Several of the victims were between the ages of 8 and 13 years old. Leonard also communicated with minors for illegal purposes, spoke inappropriately to children about sex and attempted to conduct an inappropriate video filming of a child. A citizen contacted law enforcement about a video Leonard wanted to make, which ultimately led to his arrest.
Leonard has prior convictions for felony and misdemeanor annoy or molest of a child.
He faces a maximum sentence of 880 years to life in prison. Sentencing is set for April 1, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 40 before the Honorable Steve White.
