Mark Jamison Daniels, formerly of El Cajon, was sentenced to eight years in state prison this morning following his September 6 conviction for molestation of his eldest daughter.
The case arose from charges filed by his daughter, Elysee, and interrupted a horrific continuing series of sex assault against the girl that began in early childhood. Her ordeals resulted in grave lasting trauma and serious physical injury which are feared to be permanent. Several days of very trying testimony from the accuser resulted in a unanimous conviction after only a few hours of deliberation. Original sentencing dates following conviction were moved forward from late October when Daniels alleged incompetent counsel and asked for time to make an appeal. Though his attorneys claimed, in one instance tearfully, that Daniels, a scientist, is too important to languish in prison and should be allowed probation for the 14 charges he was convicted on, the judge remained unimpressed and found Daniels more suited to a stretch in state prison, with sentences to run concurrently. This reduces the time Daniels faces from 14 years to 8. He may be eligible for a further reduction depending on behavior while behind bars.
Daniels, formerly a scientist for a prestigious La Jolla research institute, met his fate with uncharacteristic shock and dismay; a complete volte face from his smiling, confident demeanor he and his friends displayed prior to today’s sentencing. Breaking into tears as he was led away in handcuffs, the courtroom stood silent.
But for Elysee Daniels, today was a crowning victory. Justice had at long last been served and the state of California has one more convicted sex molester off the streets.