Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California
A federal jury has found a Palo Alto man guilty of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse by fear, and making false statements to a federal agent. The verdict was reached on January 31, 2025, after a three-week trial presided over by Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila.
Onofre Salas-Lozano, aged 42, served as a night supervisor for the janitorial services contractor at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Evidence presented in court showed that Salas-Lozano isolated and trapped his victim in a patient exam room late at night on July 2, 2021, forcing her into non-consensual sexual activity. DNA analysis confirmed his presence at the scene.
The jury also determined that Salas-Lozano lied to a VA Office of Inspector General special agent during an interview when he denied having any sexual contact with the victim on the specified date or any other time. During the trial, Salas-Lozano claimed that their encounter was consensual and denied making false statements.
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey commented on the case stating: “Salas-Lozano used his position as a supervisor to sexually assault a fellow employee. Federal law enforcement will do all it can to secure justice for any victim of sexual assault.” He further emphasized that "this jury verdict ensures that Salas-Lozano will now face severe consequences for his despicable acts."
Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office remarked: “The verdict sends a clear message that the VA OIG remains dedicated to holding those who commit an act of violence at a VA facility accountable.”
Salas-Lozano is due in court today to schedule sentencing. He could face life imprisonment for each count of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse by fear, and up to eight years for making materially false statements during a federal investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marissa Harris and Christoffer Lee are leading the prosecution with support from Sara Slattery, Susan Kreider, Sahib Kaur, Mimi Lam, and Fernanda Gonzalez. The case was investigated by VA OIG with substantial assistance from the VA Police Service.
