Richmond man denied new sentence for 2019 Napa music festival assaults
- Peterson William Fontes was convicted in 2019 for sexually assaulting two women at Napa County music festivals.
- He sought a new sentence under Senate Bill 567, which requires judges to impose middle-range sentences unless aggravating factors are present.
- The court denied his request, affirming that his premeditated and violent actions justified the original higher sentence.
In 2019, Peterson William Fontes, a 47-year-old man from Richmond, was convicted for sexually assaulting two women at music festivals in Napa County, specifically the BottleRock festival and the Pine Street Spring Festival. He was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in prison for his crimes, which included cutting holes in portable toilets to commit the assaults. Fontes was found guilty of multiple charges, including sexual penetration by force, second-degree burglary, and vandalism exceeding $400. Following the passage of Senate Bill 567 in 2022, which mandates judges to impose middle-range sentences unless aggravating factors are present, Fontes sought a new sentence. He argued that his original sentence was too harsh. However, during a recent court hearing, the judge determined that Fontes' actions were premeditated and violent, justifying the higher sentence he received. One of the victims bravely testified against Fontes during the hearing, emphasizing the severe impact of his actions. Napa County Deputy District Attorney Kristen Orlando highlighted the extraordinary courage of the survivor and argued that Fontes' crimes targeted vulnerable individuals, warranting the original sentence. The court's decision to deny Fontes' request for a new sentence reinforces the message that such predatory behavior will not be tolerated in the community. The ruling serves as a reminder of the legal system's commitment to addressing sexual violence and protecting victims' rights.