Santa Rosa Woman Sentenced to 36 Years for Child Molestation

Christina Renee Whisman pleaded no contest to charges of lewd conduct with minors and providing cocaine to children.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:47am

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A 45-year-old Santa Rosa woman named Christina Renee Whisman has been sentenced to 36 years in state prison for child molestation and supplying drugs to minors. Whisman pleaded no contest to three counts of engaging in lewd conduct with a child under 14 by force, fear or duress, as well as one count of providing cocaine to minors and one additional count of child molestation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious and long-lasting harm that can be done when adults in positions of trust abuse and exploit children. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the gravity of Whisman's crimes and the need to protect vulnerable youth from predatory behavior.

The details

According to the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office, the investigation into Whisman began in May 2024 after police received a tip that she had been hosting parties at her home for years involving alcohol, drugs and children. One of the children described a lengthy history of grooming and sexual abuse by Whisman. She was arrested in December 2024 after admitting to the sexual abuse of children.

  • The investigation into Whisman began in May 2024.
  • Whisman was arrested in December 2024.
  • Whisman was sentenced on January 31, 2026.

The players

Christina Renee Whisman

A 45-year-old woman from Santa Rosa, California who pleaded no contest to charges of lewd conduct with minors and providing cocaine to children.

Sonoma County District Attorney's Office

The prosecuting agency that secured the 36-year prison sentence for Whisman.

Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Paige Hein

The judge who sentenced Whisman and called her crimes "extremely hurtful and traumatic".

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What they’re saying

“This defendant, in a calculated manner, took advantage of her position of trust and authority to manipulate and violate a young child. This was textbook grooming, over years, to establish the trust of children, with the only goal of using them in the worst way imaginable.”

— Carla Rodriguez, District Attorney

“This was extremely hurtful and traumatic.”

— Paige Hein, Sonoma County Superior Court Judge

What’s next

Whisman must register as a sex offender for the rest of her life as a result of her conviction.

The takeaway

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact that child sexual abuse can have, and the importance of vigilance and action to protect vulnerable youth from predatory behavior.