San Luis Obispo man convicted of child sex crimes at daycare
Reyna Esparza, 80, faces a sentence of 50 years to life.
Crimes took place between 2016 and 2018 at an unlicensed in-home daycare run by his wife at their shared residence
– A San Luis Obispo man pleaded guilty to two felony counts of committing lewd acts on a child under the age of 14 and admitted to two special allegations that his crimes involved multiple victims under 14, the district attorney’s office announced.
Reyna Esparza, 80, faces a sentence of 50 years to life. The crimes took place between 2016 and 2018 at an unlicensed in-home daycare run by his wife at their shared residence. The victims were children between the ages of 5 and 11 who attended the daycare.
“We are very proud of these young survivors for their remarkable courage in reporting these horrible crimes which enabled us to bring Reyna Esparza to justice,” San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow said. “This substantial prison sentence for an 80-year-old sexual predator should ensure he will never victimize another child.”
During the sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Kristin Barnard said, “Mr. Reyna Esparza’s selfish and predatory actions in taking advantage of multiple children are the reason he has lost his freedom.”
As part of his sentence, Reyna Esparza will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
The case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo Police Department with assistance from the district attorney’s Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Barnard of the office’s sexual assault crimes prosecution unit. Victim services were provided by victim advocates Dona Reed and Sonia Valencia.
The district attorney’s office urged parents to verify credentials and licensing when selecting childcare providers. Licensed childcare facilities can be searched through the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division.
