Crime & Safety
Handyman Accused of Attempted Rape in Teen's Bedroom: Jury Selection Sked to Begin Tuesday
Jury selection is scheduled to get underway Tuesday for the trial of a San Jacinto handyman who allegedly broke into a house where he had done some work and attempted to rape a 16-year-old occupant.
Juan Pablo Gonzalez, 31, could face more than 10 years behind bars if convicted of the April 2012 attack at a home in the 1800 block of Estero Court.
Prospective jurors for Gonzalez's trial are scheduled to be summoned Oct. 29 to the courtroom of Riverside County Superior Court Judge Elisabeth Sichel for screening as to their qualifications and availability.
Opening statements could get underway Wednesday.
Gonzalez, who is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at Robert Presley Jail in Riverside, is charged with assault with intent to commit rape, burglary and three counts of felony sexual battery.
According to sheriff's investigators, Gonzalez allegedly forced his way into a residence and attacked a 16-year-old girl in her bedroom in the predawn hours of April 28, 2012.
The victim fought off the assailant, whom she allegedly recognized as a handyman who had done several home repair jobs for her family, according to sheriff's Sgt. Wally Clear.
The girl, who was not injured, called 911 immediately after the defendant fled, Clear said.
He said a search warrant was obtained for Gonzalez's residence in the 300 block of South State Street, and deputies executed it about a week later.
After an extensive search, the convicted felon was found "hiding in a space beneath the flooring of a bedroom," the sergeant said.
"Gonzalez resisted being taken into custody and fought with the deputies," Clear said.
The law enforcement officers used a Taser to subdue him.
According to court records, Gonzalez was convicted in June 2010 for assault resulting in great bodily injury. The original charge was committing lewd acts on a child under 14 years old, but under a plea agreement, the count was changed to assault, and Gonzalez was sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years probation.
Reported by City News Service
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