Richmond man convicted of sexually abusing three girls

RICHMOND — A 41-year-old Richmond man is facing life behind bars after a jury convicted him of sexually abusing three girls between 2006 and 2017, prosecutors said.

On Thursday, Jorge Antonio Silva was found guilty on 15 felony counts, including sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child 10 years old or younger, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. He is set to be sentenced on Nov. 21.

The case first came to light in 2022 when one of the victims told a parent that Silva had sexually abused her from ages 4 to 8 between 2015 and 2017, prosecutors said.

Detectives launched an investigation and discovered Silva had repeatedly sexually abused a second victim from ages 9 to 12 between 2006 and 2008, prosecutors said, adding that he frequently warned her to remain silent about the abuse. In addition, Silva sexually abused a third victim from ages 5 to 7 between 2008 and 2010.

Prosecutors said the case required careful handling due to the sensitive nature of the crimes and the ages of the victims when the abuse occurred. Two of the victims are now adults, while one is still a minor.

“This verdict brings a measure of justice to those victims who had the courage to speak their truth,” District Attorney Diana Becton said in a statement. “While this verdict cannot undo the harm caused, this conviction ensures the defendant will be held accountable and sends a message to other survivors that they will be heard and supported when they come forward.”