CSUMB student sentenced to prison for burglary, sexual assault
A California State University Monterey Bay student was sentenced to 14 years in prison for a sexual assault that happened at a dorm more than two years ago.
Prosecutors say Ruben Rodriguez, 22, broke into a ground floor apartment at a student housing building called the “Promontory.” There he was able to get into the victim’s bedroom, took off his clothes, got into her bed and used his hands to commit a sexual assault.
The victim fought him off, but he later returned, allegedly telling the victim “he couldn’t resist.” As the victim tried to alert one of her roommates, the defendant fled.
Surveillance video from outside the building helped authorities identify Rodriguez as a suspect. He left the campus the following day, but with the help of the U.S. Marshal’s Office, he was located and arrested in Chico.
Rodriguez entered ‘no contest’ pleas to one count of first degree burglary and one count of forcible digital penetration on June 19, 2018.
Tuesday, Judge Julie Culver not only sentenced Rodriguez to 14 years in prison, but also imposed a ten-year restraining order protecting the victim and he will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
During sentencing today, the victim testified about how she thinks of the assault every day, and is afraid an intruder would break into her home yet again. She went on to say she didn’t see herself as a victim, because it would give Rodriguez power over her. Judge Culver praised her for her strength.
