Sonora Man Arrested For Allegedly Raping A Juvenile

Published Aug 7, 2026 5:31 pm

Andrew James Lee in handcuffs—TCSO photo

Sonora, CA – A Sonora man is behind bars on $150,000 bail for allegedly raping a juvenile whom he followed home from a local convenience store.

A caller reported the incident to the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office the afternoon of July 24, 2026, stating that a 13-year-old juvenile told them about the encounter with an adult male and that the victim believed they were in danger. The reporting party also told dispatchers that the text stated the man had entered the victim’s home but was currently outside the residence, making threats toward their family. When deputies arrived at the location, they discovered 33-year-old Andrew James Lee near the victim’s residence and detained him.

During questioning, sheriff’s officials say the victim also told investigators that Lee had committed a sexual assault against them. After further questioning of Lee, he was arrested on felony charges of rape by force or fear, lewd or lascivious acts of a child under the age of 14, sexual penetration of a minor, and burglary.

Sheriff’s officials disclosed, “The investigation remains active and ongoing. We will be releasing no further information at this time.”

Of note, Lee was arrested in December of 2023, as reported here, while already behind bars for damaging equipment at the Dambacher Detention Center. Additionally, as reported here, Lee was arrested for attempted arson in September 2020 after a witness contacted 911 and reported seeing somebody attempting to break into the Day-O Espresso and then start multiple fires in the brush along the roadway in front of the establishment, as previously reported here.