MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) — A former employee of El Capitan High School was sentenced Tuesday to 180 days in jail and more than two years of felony probation after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a sexual assault case involving a student.
John Mobley III, 34, appeared before a Merced County judge after reaching a plea agreement that avoided a trial. Prosecutors said the agreement was made to spare the victim from testifying.
Mobley, who worked as an intervention coordinator at El Capitan High School since August 2024, was arrested in February 2025 on several charges, including statutory rape.
On the original complaint, Mobley faced a felony charge for unlawful sexual intercourse.
During the sentencing hearing, a victim impact statement written by the student was read aloud in court.
The victim also described the impact the case had on her education and well-being.
“I didn’t feel safe at school anymore. I was uncomfortable 24 seven and I could not even focus on what I was supposed to focus on,” the statement said.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Mobley pleaded guilty to felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor lewd conduct. The judge sentenced him to 180 days in jail and placed him on two years and four months of felony probation.
“The defendant is placed on two years and four months of felony probation,” the judge said during the hearing.
“In this instance, we felt it was in the best interest of this case it spares the victim from having to testify a jury trial and to protect her so she doesn’t have to go further in the process,” Rosenthal said.
Mobley’s attorney, Jeffrey Tenenbaum, said he was pleased the judge agreed to the settlement.
“It’s been a long two years for Mr. Mobley. He’s ready to move on with his life,” Tenenbaum said.
We asked Mobley’s attorney if he would return to working in schools and he said there is a possibility.
“He may move on to higher education,” he added.
Rosenthal said the district attorney’s office remained focused on protecting young victims.
“It’s always difficult when children are victimized. We tried to protect all victims, especially vulnerable ones like children,” she said.
In addition to serving jail time, Mobley must complete 12 months of a sex-offender treatment program and pay restitution. He is scheduled to surrender on Jan. 19.
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