MADERA – A Coarsegold man was found guilty yesterday in Madera Superior Court of nine counts of child molestation.
James Salsgiver, 59, faces 195 years to life for his convictions: on three counts of sodomy, 25 years to life each. On three counts of oral copulation, the sentence could be 15 years to life each. And on three counts of the special allegation of Habitual Sexual Offender, he faces 25 years to life on each count.
The case was successfully prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Traci Wise. The evidence presented at trial showed that the defendant molested an 8-year-old relative during a nine month period from August 2009 to June 2010. The victim reported the abuse to a school employee after Mr. Salsgiver visited the boy’s home in Utah, where more acts of molestation were committed in late 2011 and early 2012.
Another of Mr. Salsgiver’s victims testified in trial about incidents of molestation that he committed upon her in 2005 when she was eight years old.
The convictions in this case were dependent upon the victim’s tremendous courage throughout the entire prosecution process, say prosecutors. Also, the thorough investigation conducted by Investigating Officer Deputy Jack Williamson of the Madera County Sheriff’s Department, and computer forensics conducted by Lt. Tyson Pogue of the Madera County Sheriff’s Department, which revealed information corroborating the victim’s allegations of sexual abuse.
Invaluable support was provided to the victims by Community Action Partnership of Madera County, Victim Services.
“Traci and the office did a wonderful job on this case,” says District Attorney David Linn. “This is another example of our goal to actively pursue justice throughout all of Madera County.”
Salsgiver has been behind bars since his arrest on Sept. 29, 2014.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 8, in Madera Superior Court, Department 21.
