Seattle – A 29-year-old Seattle-area resident pleaded guilty today to four federal felonies that carry a mandatory minimum 10-year prison term, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Steve Godina Ochoa was arrested in February 2020, after a 13-year-old runaway disclosed to counselors that Godina Ochoa repeatedly sexually assaulted her. When sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on January 11, 2022. Godina Ochoa faces a mandatory minimum term of ten years in prison and up to life in prison.
According to the plea agreement, in November 2019, the Bellevue Police Department Sexual Assault Unit began investigating Godina Ochoa after disclosures from a young victim. When Godina Ochoa and his vehicles were located, law enforcement seized quantities of methamphetamine and heroin and three firearms. Two of the firearms had been reported stolen – one from Federal Way and the other from Snohomish County. Godina Ochoa had more than $4,500 cash in the car – the proceeds from his drug dealing. Godina Ochoa was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions for arson and unlawful possession of a firearm.
When law enforcement seized and analyzed Godina Ochoa’s electronic devices they found images of the sexual assault on the young victim. The images constitute child pornography.
Godina Ochoa faces up to 20 years in prison for possession of child pornography. Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute is punishable by a mandatory minimum 5 years in prison and up to 40 years in prison. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory 5-year prison term consecutive to any other sentence imposed in the case. Unlawful possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, both prosecutors and defense attorneys will recommend the mandatory minimum 10-year prison term. Judge Coughenour will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Bellevue Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
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