Ex-California judge indicted on federal sexual assault, obstruction charges

A former California Superior Court judge has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a court employee, lying to investigators, and obstructing an inquiry into allegations involving a second employee.

The Department of Justice announced Friday that a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against 66-year-old Adolfo Corona. Prosecutors allege that on March 14, 2024, while serving as a judge, Corona led a 33-year-old court employee into a courthouse stairwell and sexually assaulted her. He is accused of later making false statements about the incident in interviews with the FBI and court administrators.

The indictment also claims that Corona obstructed an investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted a second victim, a 43-year-old court employee. In December 2023, the woman was reportedly found unconscious in Corona’s chambers after being alone with him for approximately two hours.

Prosecutors say Corona lied to the FBI during the investigation by claiming he had left the woman alone while driving to pick up his motorcycle. The indictment further alleges he attempted to persuade a motorcycle dealership employee to falsify company records to support his alibi.

Corona plans to plead not guilty to the charges.

"Adolfo Corona maintains his innocence," defense attorney Margarita Martinez-Baly said, according to ABC30. "He will be entering a not guilty plea. He looks forward to his day in court."

If convicted of his charges, Corona faces up to 40 years in prison for the sexual assault charge and 20 years for each of the obstruction charges.