A 29-year-old man living in Southern California, suspected of sexually assaulting at least four children, could face 300 years in prison, China’s Xinhua news agency reported, citing NBC Los Angeles.
Gilbert Chavarria, nicknamed “the Creeper”, broke into homes and sexually assaulted children in the cities of Escondido and San Marcos about 140 km south from Los Angeles, during early morning hours in June and July of 2013.
Policemen believed that he cut to pieces the victims’ pajamas during the assaults.
The report said that most of the victims were teens, while the youngest one was five years old.
Chavarria, working at an auto shop and raising a child himself, pleaded not guilty to 22 felony charges on Monday, including burglary, assault (during a burglary), lewd acts with a child, and possession of child pornography.
Police said that they have not yet determined the exact number of Chavarria’s victims, and are asking for the public’s help in finding other sufferers.
“Chavarria was scheduled to appear in court next time on Sept. 22 for a readiness conference, and if convicted, he could face 300 years to life.’’ (Xinhua/NAN)
ACO/SH