LIHUE — A Kapaa woman who pleaded no contest to videotaping her sexual acts with a child was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court. Jean Agonoy Paleracio, 33, stood quietly as the court sentenced
LIHUE — A Kapaa woman who pleaded no contest to videotaping her sexual acts with a child was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court.
Jean Agonoy Paleracio, 33, stood quietly as the court sentenced her to two concurrent 20-year terms for first-degree sexual assault and first-degree promotion of child abuse.
“There is no other way to put it, Miss Paleracio, other than you took ultimate advantage of a young boy,” said Judge Kathleen Watanabe.
The deputy prosecutor was more than fair in her plea agreement, Watanabe added. This was a crime of violence with an 11-year-old boy whom the defendant knew.
Paleracio pleaded no contest to the two charges and eight other class A felony charges were dismissed on Dec. 16, 2013. Because she pleaded to two class A felonies, she was subjected to extended sentencing and the court had the discretion to double the time served in addition to running the sentences consecutively.
Watanabe said the court was bound with handing down the full prison term. She said the court would not impose consecutive or extended sentencing for class A felonies that would have been an indeterminate life sentence.
“The Hawaii Parole Authority will determine how much time you will serve but this court has no hesitation with this sentence,” Watanabe said.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin said Paleracio engaged in sexual activity with a minor male between May 1, 2009, and Sept. 1, 2010.
Paleracio produced or participated in the preparation of child pornography materials with a minor engaging in or assisting others to engage in sexual conduct. The defendant cooperated with the investigation early on, Arin said, and because she understood the reality of the situation and showed true remorse, the state did not recommend consecutive sentences.
A pre-sentence investigation of Paleracio showed she had completed two years of college and has no prior convictions. She last worked for the Kauai Economic Opportunity Early Learning Center.
The judge said Paleracio was someone who used to work with children and should appreciate, more than most, the long-term traumatic effects on a child by forcing them to commit a sexual act. She said the victim in this case is probably scarred for life.
County Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar said he is satisfied the defendant will be incarcerated for the next 20 years. He said he is more pleased the victim in the case will not be exposed to the trauma of a trial.
“Ms. Paleracio’s actions were sickening and predatory and cannot be tolerated in our community,” Kollar said.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0424 or by emailing tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
