Retired Judge Adolfo Corona allegedly committed sexual assault at the main criminal Fresno County Superior Courthouse, a sheriff’s office spokesman told GV Wire on Thursday.

A grand jury indictment from July 26 was unsealed and publicly revealed in court on Monday.

Corona, 65, pleaded not guilty to one felony count of sexual penetration by force, fear or duress; and one misdemeanor count of sexual battery, both allegedly taking place March 14 during work hours.

Fresno County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tony Botti said the victim, listed in court documents as “Jane Doe,” was an adult female.

If convicted, Corona faces up to eight years in prison.

Corona returns to court on Nov. 14 in front of visiting judge Joseph Kalashian, a retired judge from Tulare County.

Eddie Ruiz, attorney for Corona, declined to comment.

Presiding Judge Houry Sanderson, through a courts spokesperson, would not comment.

“Judges may not make public comments about a pending or impending proceeding and must refrain from making nonpublic comments that may substantially interfere with a fair trial or hearing, including those pending before other judges or courts. For this reason none of the judges will be providing any comment,” a spokesperson said.

Related Story: Former Fresno Judge Faces Sexual Assault Charges

Corona Retired in May

The state’s pension system said Corona retired as of May 1, 2024. It is unclear when he notified the state of his intention to retire.

Then-Gov. Gray Davis appointed Corona to the bench in 2003. Corona won re-election in 2004, 2010, 2016, and 2022. He would have been up before voters again in 2028.