Defendant Sentenced for 41 Counts of Child Molest, Exploitation of 12 Victims
DATE: April 1, 2022
CASE: Michael Leonard (Case #19FE014579)
PROSECUTOR: Supervising Deputy District Attorney Chris Ore, Special Assault & Child Abuse Unit
The Honorable Steve White sentenced Michael Leonard to 775 years to life in prison. On March 3, 2022, a jury convicted Leonard 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. This case involved multiple investigating agencies.
Nearly a dozen victims provided victim impact statements to the Court or attended the sentencing. Many of the victims have been haunted by his actions. Some indicated today’s sentence will provide some closure.
Leonard’s criminal history involving allegations of inappropriate conduct with minors goes back to the late 1990’s, including two prior convictions for felony and misdemeanor annoy or molest of a child.