***GUILTY VERDICT***
NORBERTO ANDRADE CARDENAS, 60, Milford, was convicted Friday, April 17, 2026, by jury trial of one count of violating Penal Code section 288(a) [lewd and lascivious acts on a child under the age of 14], and two counts of violating Penal Code section 288(c) [lewd and lascivious acts on a child age 14 or 15 and ten or more years younger than the defendant]. The jury also found true the special allegation that the defendant committed the acts against two separate victims, as well as a true finding of an aggravating factor that he took advantage of a position of trust in the commission of the crimes.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 29, 2026.
This conviction would not have been possible without the two very strong, very special young persons who came forward to disclose and then testify to the acts of the defendant. We recognize them for their bravery, as well as their family for the outpouring of crucial support they provided for these survivors during this process.
This case was submitted by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and was a collaborative effort with Lassen County Victim Witness and the Mikailia Child Advocacy Center. It was prosecuted and tried by District Attorney S. Melyssah Rios.
We thank the jurors for their time and attention in this matter over this past week. This was our tenth case presented to a jury this calendar year.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month; it’s also Child Abuse Prevention Month and this conviction symbolizes support for these young survivors of both.
