A former Hollister police officer who has pleaded no contest to
annoying or molesting a 16-year-old girl has served 60 days in
county jail and has started three years of probation as part of the
sentence, which also requires his registration as a sex offender,
according to court records.
HOLLISTER
A former Hollister police officer who has pleaded no contest to annoying or molesting a 16-year-old girl has served 60 days in county jail and has started three years of probation as part of the sentence, which also requires his registration as a sex offender, according to court records.
Macario Venegas had been with the Hollister Police Department for eight months before his arrest and departure from the force in December. The fondling incident occurred in a patrol car on Nov. 30 while Venegas was on duty. Police learned of the incident when they received a call from a resident who reported it.
According to court documents, Venegas was ordered to three years of probation, 60 days in jail and to pay a fine of $510, according to the sentence ordered in the spring by Judge Steven Sanders. Documents also said he was required to pay restitution to the victim in an amount to be determined.
Along with being required to register as a sex offender, Venegas is prohibited from contacting the victim in any form and must not come within 100 yards of her. A search for Venegas on the state’s Megan’s Law Web site – www.meganslaw.ca.gov – didn’t show him as registered yet, but getting a profile on the site can take months.
District Attorney Candice Hooper said her office opposed the sentencing.
“We believe the indicated sentence was low,” she said.
The next court date at the San Benito County Courthouse is scheduled for Nov. 13 when Venegas is required to pay his fines.
Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller declined to comment on the case.
