| For Immediate Release Case # 09CF2351
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Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
MAN FACES TRIAL FOR FORCIBLY RAPING PROSTITUTE AND ATTEMPTING TO RAPE ANOTHER AT KNIFE-POINT
WESTMINSTER – A man faces trial Monday for forcibly raping one woman and attempting to rape another at knife point after picking them up as prostitutes and refusing to pay for sex. Gilberto Cruz Silva, 30, Corona, is charged with one felony count each of forcible rape, assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense, and criminal threats. He faces sentencing enhancements and allegations for the personal use of a deadly weapon and causing great bodily injury. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 36 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin Monday, Nov. 22, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. in Department W-9, West Justice Center, Westminster.
At approximately 2:00 a.m. on Sept. 20, 2009, Silva is accused of picking up prostitute Jane Doe #1 in his 1997 green Chevrolet Astro Van on Harbor Boulevard in Santa Ana. The defendant is accused of driving with the victim to a nearby mobile home park and parking in a secluded area. Silva is accused of pulling out a knife and telling Jane Doe #1 he wants to have sex but has no money. Silva is then accused of forcibly raping the victim at knife point. Jane Doe #1 was able to flee. The victim went to the hospital and the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) was contacted.
A few hours later, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Silva is accused of picking up prostitute Jane Doe #2 in his van in the same area where he picked-up Jane Doe #1. The defendant is accused of driving with the victim to the same mobile home park and parking in a secluded area. Silva is accused of pulling out a knife and demanding the victim to have sex with him, forcing Jane Doe #2 to produce her own knife in self-defense. Silva is accused of engaging in a knife fight and stabbing the victim. Silva is accused of grabbing Jane Doe#2, head butting her, and saying “I’m going to kill you.” During the struggle the victim was able to escape.
Silva is accused of crashing into several parked cars while fleeing the scene. The defendant is accused of driving to his home in Corona and going to the hospital to treat his stab wounds sustained during the struggle with Jane Doe #2. Silva is accused of reporting to local police that he was attacked by a prostitute. The SAPD was contacted.
Deputy District Attorney Robert Mestman of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.
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