Detectives are attempting to locate Jose Bernal (65), who r*ped a female victim as she sought assistance with her immigration status, according to the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD).
On November 12, 2024, the victim reported to police that she met with Jose Bernal, a 65-year-old who claimed to be an attorney, at his office located at 1203 E. 17th Street for immigration assistance.
Jose told the victim the process would cost $14,000, but said he would offer a discount if she entered into a relationship with him. When the victim declined and attempted to leave, he grabbed her and s*xually assaulted her in his office.
The suspect offered the victim $400 and a discount on her case if she did not contact police.
Bernal is described as standing 5′ 8″ and weighing 190 lbs. He has gray receding hair.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective M. Tapia at (714) 245-8379 or mtapia@santa-ana.org.
The California State Bar lists a Joseph Arthur Bernal in their attorney database and notes that he was disbarred. He may be a different person as he was based in Pasadena and handled bankruptcies.
Most likely the suspect wanted by the SAPD is not a lawyer but is apprently pretending to be one.
If convicted, Jose Bernal could face the following penalties under California law:
- R*pe (Penal Code § 261 PC):
- Felony offense.
- Punishable by 3 to 8 years in state prison.
- Mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under California’s Megan’s Law.
- If the victim was drugged, unconscious, or otherwise unable to consent, the sentence could be enhanced.
- S*xual Battery (Penal Code § 243.4 PC):
- If charged separately or in addition to rape, this can carry up to 4 years in prison.
- Also requires sex offender registration.
- Impersonating an Attorney (Business & Professions Code § 6126):
- Practicing law without a license is a misdemeanor or felony, depending on circumstances.
- Penalties include up to 1 year in county jail for a misdemeanor, or up to 3 years in state prison for a felony.
- Bribery or Attempted Witness Intimidation (Penal Code § 136.1 or § 641.3):
- Offering money to prevent a victim from reporting a crime may be charged as witness intimidation or bribery.
- Felony penalties include up to 4 years in prison.
- Aggravating Factors:
- Abuse of trust or authority (posing as an attorney).
- Exploitation of a vulnerable person (immigration status).
- These can lead to sentence enhancements or denial of probation.
If convicted on multiple charges, sentences may be served consecutively, significantly increasing total prison time.