| For Immediate Release Case # 10NF1974
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TRANSIENT SEX OFFENDER TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL ON BUS
SANTA ANA – A transient sex offender will be arraigned tomorrow for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl on the bus by rubbing his erect penis against her after approaching her from behind. Curtis Michael Regulus, 38, is charged with two felony counts of lewd acts upon a 14-year-old child who is at least 10 years younger and one felony count of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of seven years and four months in state prison. The People will be requesting $100,000 bail at the defendant’s arraignment tomorrow, Friday, June 25, 2010, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.
At approximately 4:00 p.m. on June 19, 2010, 14-year-old Jane Doe got on a bus in Placentia after visiting her grandmother. The victim sat toward the back of the bus and Regulus is accused of moving to sit directly behind her. Jane Doe became uncomfortable and moved to the front of the bus near the driver. Regulus is accused of getting up, following the victim, and sitting directly across the aisle from her.
When the bus reached the intersection of Orangethorpe Avenue and Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim, Jane Doe walked to the back doors of the bus to exit. Before the doors had opened, Regulus is accused of walking up behind Jane Doe and pushing himself against her, rubbing his erect penis against her buttocks through their clothes. The victim pushed the defendant away and pounded on the door of the bus for the driver to open it.
Jane Doe got off the bus and walked to the intersection to cross the street. While she was waiting for the light to change, Regulus is accused of again approaching Jane Doe from behind and pushing his erect penis against her buttocks. The victim turned and attempted to push the defendant, who is accused of then grabbing her arm and pulling her toward him. Jane Doe struggled and was able to break free. The defendant is accused of yelling at the victim as she ran across the street to escape.
Jane Doe told a parent about the attack and her parent contacted the police. The case was investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD). The Orange County District Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for Regulus June 23, 2010, and he was arrested by Costa Mesa police officers this morning, June 24, 2010.
Regulus is a transient registered sex offender who is known to frequent the Newport Beach and Costa Mesa areas. Anyone with additional information or who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Randy Litwin at (714) 347-8794.
Deputy District Attorney Tony Ferrentino of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.
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