Santa Maria man sentenced to 25 years in prison for forcibly raping a minor

A Santa Maria man was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison after being found guilty of using force or violence to rape a 16-year-old victim who became pregnant as a result of the crime.

San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow identified the culprit as 44-year-old Santa Maria resident Juan Sanchezflores, who must now register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Authorities say the lengthy sentence was the result of Sanchezflores admitting to being raped by force or violence and personally causing great bodily injury.

According to authorities, the major bodily injury increase in the sentence is based on the young survivor becoming pregnant as a result of the crime.

The assault occurred in May 2019 on a rural property near Lopez Lake when the victim was 16 years old, the District Attorney said.

“Predators are not welcome here. Any person who commits a violent crime like this will be vigorously investigated by this office,” District Attorney Dan Dow said in a press release. “I hope this case serves to encourage all other survivors to report knowing they will be heard and defended in San Luis Obispo County serves.”

The case reportedly involved San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Detectives, the District Attorney’s Office Investigations Bureau, an Assistant District Attorney from the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit, and a Victim Advocate.

If community members have any questions about the case, they can contact Deputy District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at (805) 781-5819, officials said.