Sexual assault suspect arrested

A Sonoma Valley man is being held without bail on multiple charges of sexual assault crimes against a minor, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department. The suspect, Kenneth Donald Hutchins, 64, a Valley resident for more than 20 years, was taken into custody after detectives searched his home and vehicle late Tuesday night.

Hutchins is a great uncle of the victim, said Lieutenant Dennis O’Leary.

He was booked into Sonoma County Jail for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Sexual Abuse of a Child under 10 years old, and Oral Copulation with Force of a Child under 14 years. Detectives are continuing the investigation and Hutchins may face additional charges. Punishment for these sex offenses could result in 25 years to life in State Prison.

Hutchins lives in the Springs, and the victim resides in Sonoma. “We believe (the illegal acts) have been occurring at both residences,” O’Leary said.

On January 15 at about 10 p.m., Sonoma Police Department officers responded to a reported sexual assault witnessed by another family member. Detectives from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Investigations Unit responded, and obtained a search warrant. Hutchins was subsequently arrested.

His arraignment and bail hearing will likely take place Friday.