Child Molester Sentenced to Life in Prison

May 4, 2010

Yesterday, Byron Arnett, 27, of Redding, was sentenced to 60 years to life in state prison following his April jury trial conviction for child molestation.

At trial, Arnett was convicted of two counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under age fourteen.  These convictions were based on the defendant’s molestation of two children.  The court also found true the allegation that the defendant had previously been convicted of first degree burglary in Tehama County.  The prior burglary conviction is considered a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law.

Arnett must serve at least 85 percent of his 60 year sentence before he is eligible for parole.  He will also be required to register for life as a sex offender.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Curtis Woods and investigated by Investigator Kristen Fredrick of the Redding Police Department.  Shasta County Victim Assistance advocate Deborah Heide assisted the victims throughout the court process.