SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (Feb 23, 2024) – In a harrowing case that shook the community, Charles Michael Douglas, a 55-year-old South Lake Tahoe resident, received a grave sentence of 35 years to life in state prison. El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Mark Ralphs delivered the stern sentence on February 16, following Douglas’s arrest by El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies on December 16, 2021.
Initially facing charges of five counts of sodomy with a 10-year-old and one count of sending harmful matter with the intent to seduce a minor, Douglas entered not guilty pleas to all six charges during his arraignment on December 20, 2021.
The chilling details of the charges against Douglas include:
- 4 counts of 288.7(A) PC – Sodomy victim under 10 years – Rape (F) [Felony]
- 3 counts of 288.7(B) PC – Oral copulation: victim under 10 years of age – Rape (F) [Felony]
- 2 counts of 288(A) PC – Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years – Rape (F) [Felony]
- 1 count of 288.2(A)(2) PC – Harmful matter sent/etc with the intent to seduce a minor (F) [Felony]
- 2 counts of 288.7(A) PC – Sodomy victim under 10 years – Sodomy (F) [Felony]
- 2 counts of 288(A) PC – Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years – Fondling (F) [Felony]
- 5 counts of 288.7(A) PC – Sodomy victim under 10 years – Sodomy (F) [Felony]
- 6 counts of 288.7(B) PC – Oral copulation: victim under 10 years of age – Sodomy (F) [Felony]
- 6 counts of 288(A) PC – Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years – Fondling (F) [Felony]
- 1 count of 288.2(A)(1) PC – Harmful matter sent with the intent to seduce a minor (F) [Felony]
The severity of the charges warranted “No Bail” as determined by the court. This sentencing underscores the gravity of child sex crimes, and the community hopes it brings closure to the victims while serving as a deterrent against such heinous acts.
