Murrieta Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting, Molesting Girls

MURRIETA, CA — A Murrieta man accused of sexually assaulting and molesting underage girls could face life in prison if convicted on all charges, according to a spokesman from the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.

John Michael Blake, 41, is accused of seven felony charges involving three girls under the age of 14, according to John Hall, public information officer for the DA's office. Blake pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual penetration on a child under 14 against the victim’s will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear. He also pleaded not guilty to five counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14.

The alleged crimes took place from Aug. 2018 through Aug. 2019, again in Oct. 2019, and in Oct. 2020, according to a felony complaint against Blake.

"The defendant is facing a potential life sentence due to the multiple victims' allegations," Hall said.

It is not immediately known what Blake's relationship was with the girls.

He was arrested Oct. 28 by the Murrieta Police Department and was initially charged with three felony sex crimes against two girls under 14 years old. On Nov. 2, he pleaded not guilty, Hall said.

But on Monday, the DA's office filed four new charges against Blake after a third underage victim came forward, Hall explained. On Thursday morning, Blake pleaded not guilty to the four additional charges.

Blake is out of custody in lieu of $2 million bail, jail records show, and is due back in court Jan. 29 for a preliminary hearing.