Man sentenced to 20 years in prison in Norfolk after pleading guilty to raping child

José Antonio Canas-Olivares. Courtesy: Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Jose Antonio Canas-Olivares, 41, was sentenced Friday in Norfolk to 20 years in prison for three counts of rape of a child within a three-year period.

Canas-Olivares pleaded guilty on February 29 to three counts of rape of a child under the age of 13. The maximum sentence is 20 years. Judge Mary Jane Hall initially postponed acceptance of the plea agreement until she had reviewed Canas-Olivares’ criminal history report and her psychosexual evaluation.

On Friday, Hall accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Canas-Olivares to 20 years in prison, with an additional 40 years suspended, on the condition that he maintain consistent good conduct for five years after his release.

The victim, who was between the ages of 9 and 12 at the time of the abuse by Canas-Olivares, reported the abuse to trusted adults and Norfolk Police in early 2023.

“The rape of a child is one of the most serious and devastating crimes a human being can commit,” said District Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “My thoughts are with the survivor whose courage helped us bring Mr. Canas-Olivares to justice. The verdict against Mr. Canas-Olivares holds him accountable and protects the children of Norfolk from further harm.”

If you or someone you love has been a victim of a crime, including but not limited to child abuse, resources are available to you at the Norfolk Family Justice Center. For more information, visit norfolkfjc.org, call 757-330-0376, or visit the NFJC at the Park Place Multi-Services Center at 606 W. 29th St. weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are in crisis, call the 24/7 hotline at 757-251-0144. In an emergency, please call 911.