OJAI : DNA Test Points to Molestation Suspect

Sheriff’s investigators, using evidence derived from DNA testing, arrested an Ojai man Thursday on suspicion of kidnaping and molesting a 3-year-old Ojai girl in 1992, authorities said.

Jack Steven Sobonya, 44, was arrested by Ventura County sheriff’s investigators after being delivered to county authorities from state prison where he was being held on a previous parole violation, said Sgt. John Fitzgerald of the sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit.

Sobonya’s parole violation was in connection with his alleged molestation of a 9-year-old Silver Strand boy in March, Fitzgerald said. Believing there may be a connection between that incident and the earlier Ojai kidnaping and molestation, Fitzgerald had DNA tests conducted on Sobonya and evidence linking him to the 1992 crime was discovered.

DNA, the genetic code considered the building blocks of life, is found in all people.

Individuals’ DNA codes are considered by some experts to be unique, as are as fingerprints, and DNA tests have in recent years been admitted as evidence in courts.

Sobonya has been held in connection with the kidnaping and molestation of the Ojai girl. He has been additionally facing multiple counts of child molestation, child annoying and filming a minor performing a lewd act, Fitzgerald said.

Sobonya was booked in Ventura County jail late Thursday without bail.