The Fresno County Courthouse. Google Street View photo

A Fresno County Grand Jury indictment was unsealed Monday against retired Fresno County Superior Court Judge Adolfo Corona on charges of sexual assault dating back to earlier this year.

The felony charges allege Corona, 65, on March 14 committed one count of sexual penetration by force, fear, or duress and one count of sexual battery.

If found guilty, Corona faces up to eight years in state prison. He would also be required to register as a sex offender, according to a news release from Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.

Corona was notified of the charges Monday morning and has entered a not guilty plea, according to the news release. His bail was set at $70,000.

Corona is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 14.

A tentative trial date of Jan. 9, 2025 has been set.

Retired Judge Joseph Kalashian of Tulare County will preside over the case.

Corona was appointed in 2003 by former Gov. Gray Davis. He won re-election in 2022 to remain a judge for the Fresno County Superior Court, reported Fresnoland, but retired effective April 30 of this year despite having five more years left in his term.