Man Convicted of Oceanside and Temecula Molestations Asks for New Trial

A man convicted of molesting his girlfriend's daughter over a two-year period in Temecula and Oceanside made a motion for a new trial today based on an allegation of ineffective assistance of counsel, forcing a delay in his sentencing.

Daniel Roger Hood, 43, was convicted last month of 11 counts of sex with a child and faces up to 116 years to life in prison. He also was convicted of committing lewd acts on a child.

A status hearing is scheduled next Monday before Judge Blaine Bowman.

Hood committed the acts between 2009 and 2011 while he shared a home with the girl and her mother in Temecula and later, in Oceanside.

The acts came to light after Hood left his cell phone at his cousin's home in Norco. The cousin discovered a video on the phone that showed Hood sexually assaulting the girl and called police, Deputy District Attorney Kevin Watanabe said.

During a subsequent interview, the girl, now 11, confirmed she had been abused by Hood, leading to his arrest in March 2012, according to prosecutor. The girl testified that she was molested by Hood while her mother was at work.