Oakland man may face 13 years in state prison for punching girlfriend

An Oakland man accused of hitting his girlfriend was convicted of felony domestic violence, said Monterey County District Attorney Dean D. Flippo.

He says Francisco Padilla Vasquez, 40, faces maximum potential sentence of 13 years in state prison.

Officers said on Sept. 28, Vasquez and a woman he was dating, were walking back to the victim’s house in Salinas when they both got into a verbal argument. Police said Vasquez then punched the victim in the face. They said the incident was reported by an anonymous caller.

Flippo said further information revealed Vasquez did punched the victim knocking her to the ground because she told him she didn’t love him. Flippo said Vasquez also asked the victim to lie in court.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8.