Booking Photo (08/04/2022) Noe Simental Arce (DOB 08/22/1975) Guilty
Booking Photo (08/04/2022) Noe Simental Arce (DOB 08/22/1975) Guilty

Jury Convicts Noe Simental Arce (48) of committing sex crimes on a child under the age of 14

Author: District Attorney
Date: 5/9/2024 10:35 AM

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that a San Luis Obispo County jury has found Noe Simental Arce (48) of Paso Robles guilty of four counts of committing sex crimes on a child under the age of 14.

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that a San Luis Obispo County jury has found Noe Simental Arce (DOB 08/22/1975) guilty of four sex crimes on a child under the age of 14, including three counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child and one count of sexual penetration of a child. 

The jury also found true two factors in aggravation: that the victim was particularly vulnerable and that Arce exploited a position of trust and confidence with the young victim when he committed the crimes.   

The crimes took place in Paso Robles between August 2019 and April 2022.  During the two- and one-half week trial, jurors heard the testimony of the young victim, family members, medical personnel, and law enforcement professionals.  Noe Arce testified in his own defense and claimed that the crimes did not occur.  

Arce faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in state prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender at his sentencing hearing scheduled for July 3, 2024, in Department 8 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, the Honorable Catherine J. Swysen presiding.

The case was investigated by the Paso Robles Police Department  with the assistance of the District Attorney Bureau of Investigation Child Forensic Interview Team.  The young victim and family were supported by the multi-disciplinary team of the San Luis Obispo County Child Advocacy Center, the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Center, and Courthouse Dog Program.  The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Lisa Muscari.

Here is a copy of the charging document.  Here is a copy of the defendant’s booking photo.

Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at 805.781.5819 with any questions.        

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