A 38-year-old man arrested by Santa Paula police on suspicion of sex crimes involving a child has pleaded not guilty, court records show.
Paul Anthony Bridges was booked into Ventura County jail Oct. 7 in connection with alleged crimes that occurred June 1, according to jail and court records.
Bridges was charged with two counts of committing a lewd act on a child, oral copulation of a person under 14, dissuading a witness from reporting a crime, and enhancements for substantial sexual contact, court records show. He pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and denied the enhancements.
Bridges remained in Ventura County jail this week in lieu of $1 million bail, jail records show.
Child molestation is covered under California Penal Code Section 288. The basic description of child molestation is lewd and lascivious conduct against a child who is under the age of 14. Further defined, it includes willful and lewd conduct upon the body or body parts of a child with the intent of arousing or meeting the sexual desires of the offender or the child. This is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment in state prison for 3, 6 or 8 years. The defendant may also face a fine of up to $10,000.
It is important that you do not wait to involve an attorney if you have been accused of child molestation,
lewd conduct or any form of child
sex crimes in Ventura County. Ventura County Criminal Defense Attorney
Robert Helfend has over 20 years of experience and can help.
Contact his law office today for your best chance at a favorable outcome.