Press release from the District Attorney’s Office:

Today, the Honorable Christopher G. Wilson sentenced Christopher Marc Griffin, (31) of Fortuna, to 40 years to life in state prison. Earlier this year, a jury convicted Griffin of sex crimes committed against two separate victims.

The case involved a young child, who was repeatedly sexually abused over a period of years, and an adult victim, who was sexually assaulted by Griffin. The abuse of the child came to light years later, when she disclosed what had happened to a trusted family member. After learning of the child’s disclosure, the adult victim separately reported her assault to the Fortuna Police Department and provided investigators with supporting documentation of a report she had made a year prior to the child’s disclosure.

At trial, the jury heard testimony from both victims. An expert in child-abuse research also testified, explaining that it is not uncommon for children who have been sexually abused to delay disclosing the abuse. After approximately four hours of deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts.

“There is no sentence that can undo the harm done to these two survivors, but today’s outcome reflects the seriousness of these crimes,” said District Attorney Stacey Eads. “I am grateful to both survivors for their strength in testifying, and I hope this sentence brings them some measure of peace.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm prosecuted the case, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Martin Morris and District Attorney Victim Witness Advocate Keosha Chambers. Both survivors received support throughout the case from the North Coast Rape Crisis Team. Griffin was represented by local attorney Paul Gallegos.