| For Immediate Release Case # 06CF0283
April 15, 2008 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
ANIMAL CARE SUPERVISOR CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING SIX FEMALE INMATES
ON WORK DUTY AT THE ANIMAL SHELTER
SANTA ANA – A Kennel Attendant for the County animal shelter who supervised the Community Work Program (CWP) was convicted today of sexually assaulting six female inmates working at the shelter to fulfill non-violent jail sentences. Frank Martin Bojorquez Jr., 55, Orange, was found guilty by a jury of two felony counts of sexual penetration by foreign object by threat of incarceration, one felony count of oral copulation under the color of authority, one felony counts of sexual battery by restraint, two felony counts of a detention facility employee engaging in sexual activity with a confined consenting adult, four misdemeanor counts of a detention facility employee engaging in sexual activity with a confined consenting adult, and one misdemeanor count of sexual battery. He faces a maximum sentence of 33 years in state prison at his sentencing on May 30, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-44, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
Between October 1, 2004 and December 10, 2005, Bojorquez worked as the supervisor of the CWP for inmates assigned to work duties for the remainder of their jail sentences at the Orange County Animal Care Services Center. The defendant used his position of trust to sexually assault six female inmates who were in custody and working under his supervision at the animal shelter. Bojorquez requested that these victims be assigned to perform job duties in isolated areas and assaulted each victim while she was in a secluded space. The unlawful sexual acts Bojorquez committed against Jane Doe #1 through Jane Doe #6 included oral copulation, digital penetration, masturbation, and touching of breasts and vaginas. The defendant told each inmate victim that he would take care of them.
The six victims, who did not know each other, came forward independently to report the sexual assault against them. All six victims testified during trial that because the defendant had control over their work assignment and remaining jail time, they feared that no one would believe them if they reported the crime.
Deputy District Attorney Nicole Nicholson of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.
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