Victim impact statements in sentencing hearings for Los Gatos mom convicted for teen sex parties

LOS GATOS, Calif. (KGO) -- A sentencing hearing began Tuesday in Santa Clara County courts for Shannon O'Connor, a Los Gatos mother convicted in March on 16 felonies and dozens more misdemeanors tied to drunken sex parties involving teenagers.

The case, which has spanned years, is nearing its conclusion, but the sentencing phase is expected to take significant time. Each person impacted by O'Connor's crimes is legally allowed to read a victim impact statement in court, and with dozens involved, proceedings are expected to continue over multiple days.

In some instances, the crimes date back seven years, when prosecutors said O'Connor hosted parties at her home, encouraged sexual activity and provided alcohol to underage teens. A jury found her guilty of 16 felonies, including child endangerment, sexual penetration and dissuading a witness, among other charges.

She faces a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of more than 50 years.

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Legal analyst Steven Clark said the sentencing hearing will likely be lengthy, emotional and complex, noting that O'Connor was convicted of crimes she did not personally carry out, but rather observed and facilitated.

"I think for the court, the fact that she oversaw this and encouraged it and allowed it to go on is going to be a huge factor that she was the adult in the room, and these young victims did not need to suffer," Clark said.

On Tuesday, survivors delivered emotional testimony in court.

Four of six statements came from a victim identified as Jane Doe 4 and her family.

In her statement, Jane Doe 4 said, "The trauma shattered parts of me and every day I wake up, I'm rebuilding what you broke."

Her family described the lasting impact of the abuse, including her 35-day stay in an inpatient treatment center to address addiction, depression and anxiety.

MORE: Los Gatos mom found guilty of several charges, including felonies in underage sex party trial

Her stepmother emphasized her daughter's resilience, telling O'Connor that she could not take away her daughter's qualities or strength.

"I want you to live with the knowledge that you did not ruin her life," she said.

Clark said O'Connor may address the court directly for the first time during sentencing, potentially speaking to victims and expressing remorse.

"That will be a very big part of this case. And she has only done that through her statements to the media. But she hasn't addressed the victims directly. And this is just as much an opportunity for her to come forward in court and demonstrate that she gets it," Clark said.

O'Connor declined a plea deal and instead went to trial, a process that lasted 16 weeks.

Clark said that decision could influence the judge's final sentence, potentially resulting in a longer prison term than what might have been offered previously.

Victim impact statements are scheduled to continue Wednesday and Thursday. A sentence is expected after those statements conclude.