MAN MATCHED THROUGH DNA SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR RAPING 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL

MAN MATCHED THROUGH DNA SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR RAPING 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL
*Defendant is also serving a life sentence for rapes in Sacramento County

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 25 years to life in state prison for raping a 17-year-old girl after entering her apartment under the false pretense of waiting for the victim’s mother. George Eugene Cross, 42, was found guilty by a jury Feb. 16, 2011, of one felony count of forcible rape with a sentencing enhancement for rape in the commission of a residential burglary.

In 1997, Cross was out of custody on probation for a 1995 sexual battery in Los Angeles County. Shortly before midnight on Dec. 30, 1997, Cross knocked on the door of an Anaheim apartment, where 17-year-old Jane Doe was sleeping inside. The victim awoke to the sound of the knocking and opened the door. Cross told Jane Doe that her mother owed him money and asked to wait inside when the victim said that her mother wasn’t home.

The defendant sat on the couch and watched television for approximately 10 minutes before asking Jane Doe for a massage. When the victim refused, Cross asked to see Jane Doe’s manicure and then grabbed the victim and forcibly raped her. After the rape, the defendant fled the scene and Jane Doe contacted the Anaheim Police Department.

The case was investigated and evidence was collected, including semen from the sexual assault examination of the victim, but the case went cold. In 2003, Cross was convicted and sentenced to life in state prison for a series of rapes in Sacramento County. His DNA was subsequently entered into the State database. In 2004, the Orange County Crime Laboratory matched Cross’ DNA to the Orange County rape.

Cross’ prison term for the Orange County rape will be served consecutive to the prison term for the Sacramento County rapes.

Deputy District Attorney Robert Mestman prosecuted this case.

###