| For Immediate Release Case # 09CF1318 September 23, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
MAN FACES TRIAL FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING WOMAN AFTER DRAGGING HER INTO BUSHES NEAR PARK WALKING TRAIL
SANTA ANA – A man faces trial Monday for dragging a woman into the bushes near a park walking trail and sexually assaulting her. Alfredo Fraga, 23, Orange, is charged with two felony counts of sexual penetration by foreign object by force and a sentencing enhancement allegation for kidnapping in the commission of a sexual offense. If convicted, Fraga faces a maximum sentence of 30 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-37, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
At approximately 2:00 p.m. on May 25, 2009, then-58-year-old Jane Doe was walking alone on a trail in Esplanade Park in an unincorporated area of Santa Ana. Fraga is accused of grabbing the victim by her waist and dragging her into nearby bushes next to the trail. He is accused of sexually assaulting the victim by putting his hands down her pants and digitally penetrating the victim. Jane Doe screamed and struggled to get away, but was unable to free herself from Fraga.
A bystander nearby and a passing motorist stopped and rushed to help Jane Doe. Fraga is accused of attempting to flee the scene. The motorist, an off-duty Orange County Sheriff’s deputy and several witnesses observed the defendant attempting to flee, chased after him, and detained him.
Deputy District Attorney Keith Burke of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.
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