Convicted pedophile, who was once a renowned Bulldog wrestler, receives a three-year prison sentence
Isaiah Perez, a former Fresno State wrestler, was sentenced to three years in prison for the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in November 2020. The incident occurred at the off-campus Bulldog Village apartments, leading to his dismissal from the wrestling team.
During the court hearing on July 29, 2025, Fresno County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Negin denied Perez probation, stating that he took advantage of a vulnerable person who could not care for herself. The girl testified that Perez forced her into having sex after serving her alcohol and drugging her.
Perez initially denied the accusations but later pleaded no contest to charges of sexual battery and unlawful intercourse. Prosecutors emphasized the victim's desire for custody time during the court hearing on Tuesday.
Perez's defense attorney argued that this single incident is not representative of his behavior and he would be successful on probation. However, the judge ruled otherwise, citing the seriousness of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim.
Perez has 60 days to appeal his sentence. His loved ones were surprised and cried as he was sentenced and taken away by courtroom deputies.
Key details:
- Victim: 15 years old at the time of the assault in November 2020
- Acts: Perez served alcohol, drugged the victim, then forced sexual intercourse
- Charges: Sexual battery, unlawful intercourse
- Legal outcome: Pleaded no contest, sentenced to 3 years in prison, must register as sex offender
- Date of sentencing: July 29, 2025
- Judge: Stephanie Negin
- Additional context: Perez expressed remorse in court; the incident occurred at the off-campus Bulldog Village apartments.
In contrast to Perez's defense argument for probation, Judge Stephanie Negin, during the court hearing on July 29, 2025, emphasized the gravity of the crime, citing Perez's exploitation of a vulnerable 15-year-old victim who was unable to care for herself, in the 'crime-and-justice' category. Additionally, in the 'health-and-wellness' and 'sexual-health' sections, it's worth noting that Perez served alcohol and drugged the teenager before forcing sexual intercourse, which is a clear violation of her rights.
