A federal jury has convicted Onofre Salas-Lozano, a former night supervisor for a janitorial services contractor at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Hospital, on charges 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.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Salas-Lozano isolated and trapped his victim in a patient exam room at the hospital late at night on July 2, 2021. He then forced her to engage in sexual activity. DNA analysis confirmed the presence of Salas-Lozano’s sperm in the victim’s underwear following the assault. At that time, he was her direct supervisor.
The jury also determined that Salas-Lozano lied to a VA Office of Inspector General special agent during an investigative interview when he denied having any sexual intercourse with the victim on July 2, 2021. During the trial, Salas-Lozano testified that he had consensual sex with the victim at another time and denied making false statements.
“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,” stated United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “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.” She added appreciation for "the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek justice for the victim."
Salas-Lozano is set to appear in court today to schedule sentencing. He faces up to 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 results from an investigation conducted by VA OIG with substantial assistance from VA Police Service.