Man accused of breaking into home, raping elderly woman
A Judge Monday reduced the bond for the man suspected of breaking into a home and raping a 71-year-old woman from $100,000 to $15,000, the district attorney’s office said.
Daniel Guzman, 22, of the 1000 block of Sable Circle, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual penetration with injury, two counts of criminal sexual contact with injury, two counts of tampering with evidence and a single count of kidnapping.
Police also charged Guzman with one count each of aggravated residential burglary, criminal damage to property, criminal trespassing, resisting or obstructing an officer, and breaking and entering.
Citing the severity and number of charges and the vulnerability of the victim, Assistant District Attorney Alexander Rossario argued Monday for a $200,000 secured bond on behalf of the state, but Judge Richard Jacquez denied the state’s request.
Instead, the judge reduced Guzman’s bond from $100,000 to $15,000, officials with the DA’s office said.
“On behalf of the people of Doña Ana County, we are extremely disappointed that the state’s recommendation for bond was denied,” said Deputy District Attorney Davis Ruark. “We are concerned about the victim’s safety, as well as the safety of the community as a whole. We will continue to fight to protect the residents of the county and to ensure that justice is achieved.”
The alleged sexual assault happened at a home on the 1000 block of Avenida Encantada shortly before 1 am Friday, June 16, 2017.
Officers arrived to find an injured 71-year-old woman. Evidence suggested the alleged rapist broke into the woman’s home through a window, police said.
Police say the woman awoke to find a young man, later identified as Guzman, standing in her room. Investigators believe Guzman overpowered the woman and sexually assaulted her multiple times.
Police quickly located Guzman at a residence not far from where the incident occurred. Guzman was combative with officers and force had to be used to take him into custody.
If indicted and convicted on all counts, Guzman faces up to 67 years behind bars.
