Joshua Delante Wheeler sentenced to 76 years for his conviction on eight felony sex crimes, including four counts of forcible rape of a minor

Author: District Attorney
Date: 8/19/2021 3:21:43 PM

Oceano resident Joshua Delante Wheeler (38) was sentenced today after being convicted by a San Luis Obispo County jury on July 8, 2021, for multiple sex crimes against a minor.

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District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Joshua Delante Wheeler (DOB 02/12/1983) was sentenced by San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Jesse Marino to 76 years for his conviction of eight felony sex crimes committed against a 16-year-old young woman he had a legal duty to care for and protect. *It is important to note that due to recent substantial changes to law and regulation, it is nearly impossible to predict how long a defendant will serve in prison before becoming eligible for early parole.     

The crimes of conviction spanned from May 15, 2019, through March 7, 2020.  Wheeler was 36 years old when he began committing the criminal acts.  The minor was only 15 years old. 

 “I am very proud of this young survivor for her remarkable courage in reporting the crimes and testifying at trial, making it possible to bring Wheeler to justice,” said District Attorney Dan Dow.  “This sentence should embolden and encourage young victims of sexual abuse to report the conduct to their teachers or to law enforcement so that the offenders can be brought to justice.”

The case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office with the aid of the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Melissa Chabra who is assigned to the Sexual Assault Prosecution Unit.

A copy of the charging document can be found here.  A copy of the defendant's booking photo can be found here.

Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at 805.781.5819 with any questions.

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