A former Fresno man, Sansue Bee Vang, who relocated to northern California to establish a new religious organization, is now facing multiple sexual assault charges, including new accusations from Fresno-area victims.
Vang, 56, was already facing charges in Butte County when four additional victims from the Fresno area came forward recently. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey stated that these new accusers were prompted to speak up after another victim from Butte County came forward.
Ramsey suspects there may be more victims who have not yet reported their experiences. Vang had founded and led a religious group in Butte County, where he had been constructing a temple. According to the Butte County District Attorney’s Office, the four sisters who came forward waited 15 years before speaking about their experiences.
The first accusation came last year, involving a woman and her child. Vang faces two counts of forcible rape, four counts of lewd and lascivious conduct, and one count of sexual assault against a child under 14.
Ramsey credited the courage of the first victim in encouraging others to step forward, with hopes that more victims will come forward as well. Vang had previously lived in Wisconsin, Fresno, and eventually Oroville, where he recruited Hmong families to join him in building the temple. Many families had raised funds for the temple, believing they would be co-owners, but the project has not progressed.
Ramsey is urging any other potential victims to contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and assures them there is no need to be afraid anymore.
Vang, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, is set to appear in court next month to determine if he will stand trial.
