Banning Man Gets 125+ Years In Prison In Child Sex Assault Case

BANNING, CA — A Banning man was sentenced this week to more than 125 years behind bars in a disturbing child sexual assault case. The man, who had a "manual" for "How To Practice Child Love" and worked at Disneyland, was convicted last month on multiple counts of child sexual assault, according to prosecutors.

The case dates back to 2014 when David Goodman, now 25, was arrested after he was allegedly caught masturbating in front of two young boys in Yucaipa and he was subsequently tied to more alleged incidents with a 5-year-old girl, sheriff's officials said at the time.

On Feb. 28, he was ultimately convicted of four counts of Lewd Act Upon a Child, three counts of Oral Copulation or Sexual Penetration, one count of Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child, one count of Distributing or Showing Child or Youth Pornography to a Minor, and one count of Possession of Child or Youth Pornography, officials with the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office said. His victims ranged from 5 to 11 years old.

Goodman was sentenced Wednesday to 125 years and 8 months to life in state prison.

Deputy District Attorney Melinda Spencer prosecuted the case and said the then 21-year-old man befriended two women in their early-30s who had children. Goodman eventually confessed that he targeted the women for their kids.

"In a detailed confession letter, the defendant mentioned the best way to gain access to kids was by befriending single mothers who he described as 'easy targets,'" said Spencer.

Spencer introduced evidence during the trial of a "manual" the man had saved on his computer called "How to Practice Child Love," DA officials said.

Prosecutors also noted the man's frequent involvement with children, as he worked at Disneyland and volunteered at a children's theater group. At the time of his December 2014 arrest, sheriff's officials said the man had been a Disney employee since August of that year, but did not disclose his position.

Jail booking records show the man has been in custody since his arrest.

During his trial, a special dog and victim's advocate helped "comfort" the victims.

"During trial, Victim Advocate Yesica Cioli and K9 Dozer from the Special Victims K9 Unit provided comfort to the victims while prior to and during testimony," the District Attorney's office said. "This case was investigated by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Crimes Against Children Division."

— Image via San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office