Sheridan Man Arraigned on Sexual Abuse of a Minor Charges

An arraignment hearing was held this week in Fourth Judicial District Court for 72-year-old John Diaz of Sheridan. Diaz pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree and one count of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree. District Court Judge Darci Phillips scheduled a four-day jury trial to begin on August 12. A pretrial conference will be held on July 8 at 11 am. Diaz’s bond was continued under the same terms and conditions that were previously set in Circuit Court.

According to court documents, the alleged crimes occurred between August of 2009 and June of 2016. The victim was 7-years-old when the sexual abuse began. The victim reported the abuse to law enforcement in October 2024.

First degree sexual abuse of a minor is punishable by not less than 25 years and not more than 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The second degree charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.