Two years after arrest, trial in Sammy Nunez's child sex abuse case nears
Two years ago, Samuel "Sammy" Nunez — founder and former director of the now-defunct nonprofit Fathers & Families of San Joaquin — was charged with sexually abusing a child.
Now, Nunez's trial is finally approaching, with jury selection set to start next week, according to details from Nunez's appearance Friday at San Joaquin County Superior Court in Stockton.
In May 2021, the former Fathers & Families director was arrested by Manteca police officers after a traffic stop on Sacchetti Circle in Weston Ranch, The Record previously reported. Law enforcement had a "Ramey warrant" for Nunez's arrest — a warrant signed by a judge either before criminal charges are filed or when prosecutors file ahead of an arrest.
On May 25, 2021, Nunez was charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child and lewd acts with a child. The criminal complaint identified the minor as a member of Nunez's family. The Record does not name victims of sexual assault, unless the victim agrees to it.
The abuse allegedly began more than two decades ago, starting in 2001 when the child was 8, the complaint stated. Prosecutors say it continued until 2006 when the child was 12.
Nunez and his wife started Fathers & Families 2006 to guide parents and at-risk youths, providing gang intervention and other services.
Nunez's arrest shook the organization he founded: he was fired, and Fathers & Families ultimately collapsed less than a month after his arrest, in June 2021, The Record reported.
"Since the executive director's arrest and termination, the organization has lost millions of dollars in funding and partnerships that are critical to success," the nonprofit said in a statement.
On Friday morning, Nunez appeared briefly in court in downtown Stockton, wearing a jail uniform and accompanied by his attorney Aaron Villalobos. Deputy District Attorney Theresa Stroud was in the courtroom representing San Joaquin County.
The jury selection process is scheduled to start May 30, when potential jurors will answer questionnaires to help determine if they can serve impartially. Nunez will have a final chance to a deal before trial, but could face the maximum penalty if convicted at trial.
Nunez remains in custody without bail.
Record reporter Aaron Leathley covers public safety. She can be reached at aleathley@recordnet.com or on Twitter @LeathleyAaron. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Jury selection ahead in Sammy Nunez child sex abuse case in Stockton
