Willits man found guilty of 11 child sexual abuse charges after two-week trial
Prosecutors said the crimes occurred in and around Willits between the summer of 2020 and June 16, 2023
A Mendocino County jury on Friday convicted a 42-year-old man on 11 felony charges related to the sexual abuse of a child over a period of several years in Willits.
Jurors found Christopher Neil Kiger — who also used the names Chris King and Jesse Goff — guilty on all counts following a two-week trial in Mendocino County Superior Court.
The charges included three counts of lewd acts with a child under 14, two counts of penetration with a foreign object involving a child under 14, and six counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Prosecutors said the crimes occurred in and around Willits between the summer of 2020 and June 16, 2023.
According to the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office, the victim was between 10 and 13 years old during the period of abuse. Under California law, continuous sexual abuse of a child involves at least three acts of substantial sexual conduct with a child under 14 over a period of three months or longer by someone who resides with or has recurring access to the child.
Kiger had previously lived in Willits, Ukiah and Lake County and at one point traveled to Florida while investigators were attempting to locate him, prosecutors said.
The investigation involved the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the Sacramento County SAFE Center, which provides forensic and advocacy services for victims of sexual assault and abuse. The Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and Victim/Witness Unit also assisted with the case.
District Attorney David Eyster prosecuted the case at trial.
“"I commend the young girl — she was victimized between the ages of 10 and 13 by a step father figure who groomed her not to question his motives and lust — for her courage in coming forward,” Eyster said in a statement following the verdict.
Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Keith Faulder presided over the trial. A bench trial to consider factors that could increase the sentence is scheduled for March 25.
Following that hearing, the case will be referred to the Mendocino County Adult Probation Department for a report and sentencing recommendation.
Because of the nature of the convictions, Kiger is not eligible for probation and will be required to serve a state prison sentence, prosecutors said. Judge Faulder also ordered Kiger held without bail following Friday’s verdict.