Jury Finds Darrell Wood Guilty on Two Felony Sex Offense Counts in Modoc County
ALTURAS, Calif. — A Modoc County jury returned guilty verdicts against Darrell Wood on two felony counts following a trial presided over by Judge Wendy Dier, District Attorney Nina Salarno announced Thursday.
The jury convicted Wood of:
- Felony Penal Code § 289(a)(1)(c): Sexual penetration by a foreign object of a minor over the age of 14 by means of force, violence, duress, menace, and fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury.
- Felony Penal Code § 289(i): Sexual penetration by a foreign object.
- Aggravating Factor: Rule of Court 4.421(a)(11) was also found to be true.
The District Attorney’s Office originally filed an information alleging 22 counts involving the sexual abuse of a minor, which included allegations of misconduct in San Diego County. Modoc County prosecutors worked in tandem with San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan’s office to establish legal jurisdiction for all counts to be tried in Modoc County, aiming to spare the victim from testifying in separate trials across two counties.
However, after confirming Modoc County’s legal authority to prosecute the charges, Judge Dier ordered the charges severed. Only two counts were allowed to proceed to trial in Modoc County, over the strenuous objections of Assistant District Attorney Richard Cotta, who prosecuted the case.
”Our office is deeply disappointed by this ruling and the trauma inflicted on the victim,” District Attorney Salarno stated, while expressing gratitude to the jury for carefully weighing the evidence to reach guilty verdicts on both remaining counts.
Salarno praised the courage of the victim for coming forward and participating in the prosecution. She also extended appreciation to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office, and investigating officer Christopher Harrison for their thorough work in bringing the case to trial.
Sentencing for Darrell Wood is scheduled for December 14, 2026.
