| For Immediate Release Case # 04NF4197
June 13, 2008 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
TEEN SENTENCED TO 64 YEARS TO LIFE IN FOR FORCIBLY SODOMIZING AND ROBBING FOUR
YOUNG BOYS AS THEY WALKED TO SCHOOL
SANTA ANA – An 18-year-old man was sentenced today to 64 years to life in prison for committing a series of forcible sodomies and robberies when he was 14 years old against three young boys as they walked to and from school in Anaheim. Jose Ignacio Avina, Anaheim, was directly filed and tried as an adult and found guilty by a jury on Aug. 13, 2007, of felonies for two counts of sodomy by force, one count of forcible oral copulation, one count of kidnapping to commit a sexual offense, two counts of kidnapping to commit robbery, two counts of second degree robbery, two counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat, and one count of attempted second degree robbery. The jury also found true the sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon.
On Oct. 4, 2004, then 14-year-old Avina approached 12-year-old John Doe #1, who was walking home from school. He forced the victim to go to the defendant’s house, held up a knife and threatened the victim. Avina sodomized John Doe #1 at his home.
On Oct. 27, 2004, the defendant approached 13-year-old John Doe #2, who was walking to school. Avina pulled out a knife and ordered the victim to move into an alley. He threatened and robbed the victim before the victim was able to run and escape.
On Nov.15, 2004, Avina attacked John Doe #3, 12, while the victim was walking to school. Avina forced the victim at knife point into a secluded storage unit. He robbed John Doe #3 and forcefully sodomized him. That same day, Avina attempted to rob another 12-year-old boy at knife point, but the victim was able to run away.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Kal Kaliban prosecuted this case.
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