Douglas McCourt, 64, faces a sentence of 50 years to life in a California state prison after admitting to multiple felony counts of sexually abusing children. The plea announcement came from San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas, who said the outcome removes a dangerous offender from the community and spares the victims from having to testify in court.

McCourt pleaded guilty to serious charges, including oral copulation with a child under 10 and two counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14 by force or fear. Both the oral copulation charge and one of the lewd act counts came with sentencing enhancements for prior violent felony convictions, each resulting in 25 years to life and to be served consecutively. An additional charge of lewd acts upon a child carries an eight-year sentence, which will run concurrently with the other terms.

The case began in November 2024, when San Bernardino Police were alerted to the abuse. The subsequent investigation, which was taken over by officers in Ripon, uncovered key evidence including a USB drive containing videos of McCourt’s offenses. Prosecutors and law enforcement worked closely to build the case.

District Attorney Freitas credited the victims’ strength, saying, “These survivors will never have to face their abuser in court, and a dangerous predator will be held fully accountable.” He also thanked Deputy District Attorney Victor Bachand, Detectives Nutt and West of Ripon Police Department, and Victim Advocate Ana-Maria Raducanu for their work on the case.

McCourt has a history of similar offenses, with a 1988 conviction for multiple counts of child sexual assault on his record.

Formal sentencing is set for January 12, 2026, before Judge Hoyt in Department 8A. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office reaffirmed its pledge to protect children and pursue those who harm them.