A federal grand jury in Fresno, California, has indicted former California Superior Court Judge Adolfo Corona, 66, on charges of sexually assaulting a court employee and obstructing subsequent investigations. The indictment, announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on August 22, 2025, includes five counts: sexual assault, making false statements, and obstruction of justice.
The indictment alleges that on March 14, 2024, while serving as a judge, Corona led a 33-year-old court employee into a courthouse stairwell and sexually assaulted her. It further claims that during interviews with the FBI and court administrators, Corona provided false statements regarding the incident. Additionally, the indictment accuses Corona of obstructing an investigation into a separate allegation involving a 43-year-old court employee. This alleged incident occurred on December 5, 2023, when the employee was found unconscious in Corona’s chambers after being alone with him for approximately two hours. Corona is accused of fabricating an alibi and attempting to alter records to support his claims. ([justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-california-superior-court-judge-charged-sexual-assault-and-obstruction-offenses?utm_source=openai))
If convicted, Corona faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison for the sexual assault charge and 20 years for each obstruction charge. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section. ([justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-california-superior-court-judge-charged-sexual-assault-and-obstruction-offenses?utm_source=openai))
Corona’s legal troubles began in September 2024 when a Fresno County grand jury indicted him on state charges of sexual penetration by force and sexual battery. He pleaded not guilty to these charges, and a trial date was initially set for January 2025. ([fresnoda.org](https://www.fresnoda.org/News-Media/News-Releases/Sexual-Assault-Charges-Filed-Against-Retired-Fresno-County-Superior-Court-Judge?utm_source=openai))
Corona retired from the bench in April 2024, shortly after the alleged incidents. He had served as a judicial officer for 21 years, presiding over numerous high-profile cases, including those involving sexual offenses. ([yourcentralvalley.com](https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/former-fresno-county-judge-pleads-not-guilty-to-sexual-assault-charges/?utm_source=openai))
This case underscores ongoing concerns about misconduct within the judiciary. Similar instances have been reported, such as the removal of California Appeals Court Justice Jeffrey Johnson in 2020 following multiple allegations of sexual harassment. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/california-arnold-schwarzenegger-b04dbef2f33c35f403ff209035edf921?utm_source=openai))
As the legal proceedings against Corona continue, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and ethical conduct within the judicial system.