Man Suspected of Sexually Abusing Minor Surrenders to Law Enforcement
On April 5, 2023, Colton Fontes turned himself in to the Calaveras County jail after a no-bail arrest warrant was issued by the Honorable Judge David Sanders. The warrant was issued following the filing of a criminal complaint by the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office on April 4, 2023, which alleges Fontes committed multiple counts of sexual assault and possession of illegal materials.
According to a press release by the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, the criminal complaint alleges that Fontes committed 12 counts of felony forcible rape, 10 counts of felony unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, 1 count of using a minor for sexual acts, 1 count of distributing obscene matter to a minor, 1 count of possessing child pornography, 1 count of unlawful possession of ammunition, and 1 count of possessing a controlled substance.
The complaint also alleges that Fontes was out on bail in another case in which he is accused of committing an act of animal cruelty, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The investigation into Fontes was a joint effort by the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators served multiple search warrants, analyzed social media accounts and cell phones for digital evidence, and interviewed multiple witnesses, including three separate victims Fontes is alleged to have committed crimes against.
The ongoing investigation has encouraged anyone with further information to contact Calaveras County District Attorney Investigator Mike Stone at (209) 754-6330.
Sheriff’s Detectives noted that the investigation into Fontes’ pending animal cruelty case provided important leads and assistance to investigators in this joint investigation. The Resource Connection, Calaveras Crisis Center at (209) 754-1300, is available to offer support and counseling to any sexual assault survivor, even if they are not yet ready to make an official report to law enforcement.
As of now, Fontes remains in custody without bail. It is unclear whether he has obtained legal representation or entered a plea. The case is ongoing, and further details are yet to be revealed.
