Man faces prison term measured in centuries for Sacramento County molestation conviction

A man faces 880 years in prison after being convicted of 41 counts of child molestation and exploitation, authorities said.

Michael Leonard had a 16-year-long history of luring young children into his home and molesting them, according to a news release that announced the jury verdict.

Prosecutors said that several of the victims were between the ages of 8 and 13, and Leonard met many of them at children’s events and venues he frequently visited.

His conviction includes crimes against 12 victims, the news release said.

In addition to the physical crimes, prosecutors said that Leonard also communicated with minors for illegal purposes, spoke inappropriately to children about sex and attempted to conduct an inappropriate video filming a child.

According to prosecutors, Leonard was ultimately arrested when someone told law enforcement that he was attempting to make the video.

“Leonard has prior convictions for felony and misdemeanor annoy or molest of a child,” the release stated.

Sentencing is set for 9 a.m. April 1.

This story was originally published March 12, 2022 at 4:08 PM.