Jury finds Paso Robles man guilty for sex crimes against multiple child victims
Francisco Pablo Zaragoza Guzman of Paso Robles.
– San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that a San Luis Obispo County jury has found Francisco Pablo Zaragoza Guzman of Paso Robles guilty of nine counts of committing sex crimes against multiple children under the age of 14, including three counts where the children were aged 10 or under.
Francisco Pablo Zaragoza Guzman (04/28/1979) was convicted of the following child molestation crimes: two counts of sexual penetration of a child under 10 years of age; one count of oral copulation of a child under 10; and six counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 using force, fear, or duress. The jury also found enhancements true that the defendant committed his crimes against multiple victims who were under the age of 14. (This enhancement provides for multiple consecutive life sentences.)
The crimes took place in Paso Robles and Santa Maria between 2006 and 2013. During the trial, jurors heard the testimony of the victims, law enforcement, medical personnel, and expert testimony about the effects of sexual abuse on children.
“I commend the two brave survivors who were courageous to report the horrific abuse they were forced to endure as young children. Their resilience has enabled them to testify in court and to endure the pressure of cross-examination by an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The guilty verdicts are a step toward justice and the ongoing process of healing,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “I’m so proud of our law-enforcement partners, our Victim Witness staff, and the prosecution team that was led by Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Dittrich.”
Guzman faces a maximum sentence of over 100 years to life in prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in Department 8 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, the Honorable Catherine J. Swysen presiding.
This case was investigated by the Paso Robles Police Department with the assistance of the District Attorney Bureau of Investigation and the Child Forensic Interview Team. The young victims and family were supported by the multi-disciplinary team of the San Luis Obispo County Child Advocacy Center, the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Center, and Courthouse Dog Program.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kimberly R. Dittrich assigned to the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Prosecution Unit. Victim Services were provided by Victim Advocates Aracely Maldonado and Isabella Gaddini.
