Mitchell Pinizzotto Sentenced to 31 years in State Prison for Child Molestation Convictions

June 17, 2026

Mitchell Pinizzotto Sentenced to 31 years in State Prison for Child Molestation Convictions

Mitchell Pinizzotto, of Lee Vining, was sentenced on June 16, 2026, to 31 years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation by Judge Mark Magit following his convictions for multiple child molestation offenses committed between approximately 2015 and 2021. Specifically, Pinizzotto was convicted of one count of forcible rape, one count of forcible sexual penetration of a child under 14, and four counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14.

The evidence presented during the proceedings established that Pinizzotto abused a child under the age of 14 which was first reported in 2021. The subsequent investigation uncovered additional victims who had also been subjected to sexual abuse by the defendant.

District Attorney David Anderson stated,

"This sentence protects our community and ensures that Mr. Pinizzotto can no longer prey upon children for decades to come. Additionally, it delivers accountability for the profound harm inflicted upon these young victims."

"I want to commend the extraordinary courage shown by the victims who came forward and endured the difficult process of participating in a criminal prosecution. Their bravery not only secured justice in this case, but also helped protect other children from further victimization. In Mono County, we will aggressively prosecute those who abuse children, and we will not tolerate those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our community."

Mr. Pinizzotto is currently housed in the Mono County jail without bail awaiting transport to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.