Man pleads not guilty to kidnapping immigrants, coercing sex acts
A San Francisco man arrested on suspicion of posing as a police officer and coercing Central American immigrants into committing sexual acts pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and assault charges, authorities said.
Jeffrey Bugai, 35, was charged with two counts of kidnapping with the intent to commit a sex-related offense, said San Francisco Assistant Dist. Atty. Alex Bastian.
He was also charged with one count each of assault with the intent to commit a sex-related offense, attempted forced oral copulation and attempted sodomy by force.
The charges stem from encounters Bugai allegedly had with two men, Bastian said.
Bugai posed as a police officer and took the men to his home where he administered intoxicants and forced the victims into committing sexual acts, San Francisco Police Department authorities said.
Police said Bugai threatened his victims, who had limited ability to speak English, with deportation or police action if they reported him.
Bugai, who entered his plea July 15, is being held in lieu of $2-million bail in the San Francisco County Jail. His next court date is scheduled for Monday.
For breaking news in Los Angeles and the Southland, follow @debbietruong or email her at debbie.truong@latimes.com.
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