SAPD requesting asistance locating suspect wanted in sexual assault of a minor

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD Special Crimes Section Detectives Requesting Assistance Locating Suspect Wanted in Sexual Assault of A Minor

Wanted Suspect: Jose Gerrardo Espiritu (53) Santa Ana

On March 1, 2015, at 5:30 am, Santa Ana Police Department patrol officers were called to investigate a sexual assault of a 16 year old female. Their investigation revealed the victim was assaulted by Jose Gerrardo Espiritu. Espiritu is the live-in boyfriend of a relative to the victim.

Earlier in the evening, Espiritu had an argument with his girlfriend, and, consequently, she left the establishment they were at on foot. At approximately 1:30 am, Suspect Espiritu solicited the assistance of the victim to assist him in his search for his girlfriend.

While searching for the girlfriend, the suspect took the victim to an undisclosed location where he allegedly used force to sexually assault her multiple times. At approximately 5:00 am, the suspect drove the victim back to her residence and released her. The victim told relatives what had happened, and they called police.

A follow up investigation was conducted by detectives in the Santa Ana Police Department’s Special Crimes Section. On March 1, 2015, at 4:15 pm, Espiritu was taken into custody by detectives. He was booked into the SAPD Jail on charges of Rape, Lewd Acts with a Minor and Sodomy by Force. Espiritu’s bail was set at $100,000.

On March 3, 2015 the Orange County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony counts against Espiritu. On March 6, 2015, Espiritu posted bail and was released from custody. Between March 20, 2015 and August 4, 2015, he appeared in court on six separate occasions. Espiritu’s seventh appearance was scheduled for September 1, 2015, but he never reported to the court. As a result, the judge issued a $150,000 warrant for his arrest for absconding.

Santa Ana Police Department Special Crimes Section Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance locating suspect Jose Gerrardo Espiritu. Espiritu is described as a male Hispanic 53 years old, 5-10, 155 lbs, black hair, and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of suspect Espiritu is asked to contact Detective W. Beatley at (714) 245-8378 or to call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

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Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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