A former Porterville Military Academy teacher was sentenced to 13 years and 8 months in prison Friday for child molestation involving a 14-year-old victim, the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Related Story: Tulare County Shooting Leaves Man Hospitalized, Investigation Ongoing

James Van Norton, 46, was found guilty on Sept. 26, 2024, of three felony counts of sexual intercourse and 13 felony counts of lewd acts with a 14-year-old victim.

The crimes took place between August 2018 and March 2019 in Tulare County, the DA’s office said.

Related Story: Tulare County At-Risk Child Missing, Authorities Seek Public’s Help

Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, calling it inadequate for the severity of the crimes.

“I am certain that the public views this sentence as wildly inadequate based on the defendant’s actions and position of trust. As a career prosecutor and father, I could easily argue the punishment does not meet the depravity of the crime,” said Ward.

“This case was sentenced in accordance with the current law of California, which states the maximum punishment could be 14 years, 8 months. While my prosecutor argued for more time in prison, we recognize the constraints placed upon the court by the state of California.”

Related Story: Tulare Police Arrest Second Suspect in Fatal Gang-Related Shooting

In addition to the prison sentence, Van Norton will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.