A woman seeking legal assistance with her immigration status was raped by a man claiming to be a lawyer, who then offered her cash and a discount to buy her silence, authorities say.
Santa Ana police are now asking for the public's help in the search for 65-year-old suspect Jose Bernal.
The victim reported the incident to police on Nov. 12, 2024, saying she met with Bernal, who said he was an attorney, at his office at 1203 E. 17th St. in Santa Ana.
According to police, Bernal told the woman that the process would cost $14,000 but that he would offer her a discount if she entered into a relationship with him.
When the victim refused and tried to leave, he grabbed her and sexually assaulted her in his office, police allege.
Later, Bernal allegedly offered the victim $400 and a discount on his case if he did not contact police.
The Santa Ana Police Department is looking for clues to Bernal's whereabouts. Police described him as 5 feet 8 inches tall and 190 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
People with information have been asked to contact Detective M. Tapia at (714)-245-8379 or [email protected].
