| For Immediate Release Case # 04NF4197 August 2, 2007 |
Contact: Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 |
17-YEAR-OLD TO BE TRIED AS ADULT FOR
FORCIBLY SODOMIZING AND ROBBING FOUR
YOUNG BOYS AS THEY WALKED TO SCHOOL
SANTA ANA – A 17-year-old will be tried as an adult for a series of forcible sodomies and robberies he committed against three young boys as they walked to and from school in Anaheim when he was 14-years-old. Jose Ignacio Avina, Anaheim, is charged with 11 felonies including two counts of sodomy by force, one count of forcible oral copulation, one counts of kidnapping to commit a sexual offense, two counts of kidnapping to commit robbery, two counts of 2nd degree robbery, two counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat, one count of attempted 2nd degree robbery, and a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon. If convicted on all charges, Avina faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Opening statements are scheduled to begin today, August 2, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in Department C-41, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
On October 4, 2004, then 14-year-old Avina is accused of approaching 14-year-old John Doe #1, who was walking home from school. He is accused of forcing the victim to go to the defendant’s house, holding a knife up and threatening the victim. Avina is accused of sodomizing John Doe #1 at his home.
On October 27, 2004, the defendant is accused of approaching a second victim, 13-year-old John Doe #2, who was walking to school. Avina is accused of pulling out a knife and ordering the victim to move into a back alley. He is accused of threatening the victim and robbing him before the victim was able to run and escape.
On November 15, 2004, Avina is accused of attacking John Doe #3, 12, while the victim was walking to school. Avina is accused of forcing the victim at knife point into a secluded storage unit. He is accused of robbing John Doe #3 and forcefully sodomizing him. That same day, Avina is accused of attempting to rob another 12-year-old boy at knife point, but the victim was able to escape and run away.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Kal Kaliban of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.
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