FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A former Fresno County judge made his first court appearance Thursday after retiring following a felony sexual assault allegation. Officials say Adolfo Corona, 65, who served 21 years as a judicial officer, was indicted on Sept. 23 and accused of sexual penetration and sexual battery. Court documents allege that on Mar. 14, Corona sexually assaulted a court employee in the very courthouse where his court appearance was held. He pled not guilty. Local Criminal Defense Attorneys Micheal Aed and Margarita Martinez Baly were hired to represent Corona. "He's a compassionate, charitable, and humble man," Aed said. "He believes in the criminal justice system and expects to be vindicated at the end of this case." From left to right: Adolfo Corona, Adolfo Corona's wife Marcella Corona, and Micheal Aed If convicted, officials say Corona faces a maximum of eight years in state prison and would be required to register as a sex offender. The former judge's status conference is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 1:30 p.m., and his tentative trial date is set for Jan. 9, 2025.