San Jose: Samsung senior manager gets 10 years in prison for sex assaults

Published: Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:15 am

Samsung Manager Sentenced to 10 Years for Sexual Assault

A former senior manager at Samsung has been sentenced to a decade in prison for sexually assaulting four women over a period spanning from 2013 to 2018. Stephen Michael Gonzales, 42, entered a no-contest plea to felony charges including forced oral copulation, rape, and sexual battery. The sentencing hearing took place on June 27th. Following his prison term, Gonzales will be required to register as a sex offender.

The charges stemmed from incidents involving four women, three of whom had been romantically involved with Gonzales, and one who was a longtime friend. According to court records, one victim reported being assaulted while heavily intoxicated and grieving with Gonzales over a shared loss. The victim alleged that Gonzales forced himself on her while she was in a semiconscious state.

The case began in January 2019 when a woman reported the 2018 incident to police. Following the initial investigation, three additional women came forward with their own accounts of sexual assault by Gonzales. The incidents occurred in 2013, 2015, and 2018.

Deputy District Attorney Tessa Stephenson, who prosecuted the case, emphasized the importance of the victims' courage in coming forward. She highlighted the insidious nature of sexual assault perpetrated by someone trusted, where victims may not be on their guard. The prosecution aimed to achieve justice while minimizing further trauma for the victims, avoiding the need for a trial.

Gonzales' attorney, Sam J. Polverino, stated that the plea agreement was partly due to the potential for a lengthy sentence given the multiple victims and eight charging enhancements. He also noted inconsistencies in the women's claims compared to statements made during a 2021 preliminary examination.

Gonzales worked as a director of business-to-business sales for Samsung Semiconductor.

BNN's Perspective:

This case highlights the devastating impact of sexual assault and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their position or relationship with the victim. While the plea agreement may have been influenced by legal considerations, the sentence reflects the severity of the crimes and the need for justice for the victims. It also underscores the importance of supporting victims and creating a culture where they feel safe to come forward.

Keywords: Samsung, sexual assault, prison sentence, rape, sexual battery, no contest plea, felony charges, sex offender, victim, court, investigation, senior manager, business-to-business sales, Samsung Semiconductor, San Jose, assault, oral copulation, forced, intoxicated, grieving, trust, justice, plea agreement

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