Court Finds Former Big Oak Flat Man A Sexually Violent Predator

Sonora, CA — Charles Littlejohn-Zabel Jr., a former Big Oak Flat resident, was found to be a sexually violent predator and committed to a state hospital for treatment.

In 2012, Littlejohn-Zabel was convicted of committing a felony lewd act on a child under the age of 14 and sentenced to state prison. Tuolumne County District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke noted that before being released from that sentence, he was evaluated to determine if he qualified for treatment under Welfare and Institutions Code 6600, also known as the Sexually Violent Predator Act.

Last week, Littlejohn-Zabel waived his right to a jury trial and instead chose to have a court trial. He was found beyond a reasonable doubt to be a fit subject for the treatment. Littlejohn-Zabel was committed to Coalinga State Hospital for treatment. He will be re-evaluated on a yearly basis to determine whether he continues to present a substantial risk of re-offending.