| For Immediate Release Case # 06CF0283 March 24, 2008 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
ANIMAL CARE SUPERVISOR FACES TRIAL FOR 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) faces trial this afternoon for sexually assaulting six female inmates working at the shelter to fulfill non-violent jail sentences. Frank Martin Bojorquez Jr., 55, Orange, is charged with four felony counts of sexual battery by restraint, two felony counts of sexual penetration by foreign object by threat of deportation, one felony count of oral copulation under the color of authority, six 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 17 years and four months in state prison if convicted. Opening statements are scheduled to begin late this afternoon in Department C-44, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
Between October 1, 2004 and December 10, 2005, Bojorquez is accused of working 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 is accused of using his position of trust to sexually assault six female inmates who were in custody and working under his supervision at the animal shelter. Bojorquez is accused of requesting that these victims be assigned to perform job duties in isolated areas and assaulting each victim while she was in a secluded space. The unlawful sexual acts Bojorquez is accused of committing against Jane Doe #1 through Jane Doe #6 included oral copulation, digital penetration, masturbation, and touching of breasts and vaginas. The defendant is accused of telling 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. The victims reported 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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