| For Immediate Release Case # 09CF1318 December 2, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING WOMAN
AFTER DRAGGING HER INTO BUSHES
NEAR PARK WALKING TRAIL
SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 15 years to life in state prison for dragging a woman into the bushes near a park walking trail and sexually assaulting her. Alfredo Fraga, 23, Orange, was found guilty by a jury Oct. 5, 2011, of two felony counts of sexual penetration by foreign object by force with a sentencing enhancement allegation for kidnapping in the commission of a sexual offense.
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 grabbed the victim by her waist and dragged her into nearby bushes next to the trail. He sexually assaulted the victim by putting his hands down her pants and vaginally and anally penetrating the victim with his hand. 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 attempted 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.
During the sentencing today, Jane Doe, two of her siblings, and her husband gave victim impact statements to the court. Jane Doe explained that Fraga took from her a sense of safety and security. She also said that when she walked into the courtroom today she was a victim, but she would be walking out as a survivor.
Deputy District Attorney Keith Burke of the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted this case.
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