In 2018 patrol officers responded to a call of a 14-year-old female runaway. At that time, the 14-year-old disclosed that her biological father had been sexually abusing her for approximately 2 months and her twin sister for approximately 1 year. The victim also stated her 10 and 12-year-old sisters had witnessed the sexual abuse. The suspect, 45-year-old Arthur Mendez of Pomona, was arrested and an extensive follow up investigation was completed by the Pomona Police Department.
Mendez had a preliminary hearing in early 2019 where all 4 of his biological daughters testified and he was held to answer on all counts. After the hearing, 2 additional victims, now both 26 years old, were discovered. One reported having been raped by the suspect when she was between the ages of 9-12 years old. The other victim reported she was abused by the suspect when she was 16 years of age.
In November of 2019, the case went to a trial that lasted 4 days. The jury found Mendez guilty on all 24 counts.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Mendez was sentenced to 15 years plus 375 years to life.
