Countywide : More Charges Filed Against Rape Suspect
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The Orange County district attorney’s office filed additional charges Friday against a Riverside man authorities believe is responsible for at least half a dozen rapes and sexual assaults in Orange and Riverside counties.
If convicted, Steven Dexter Brooks, 22, faces a maximum 25-years-to-life sentence under the “one strike, you’re out” sexual offense law that went into effect Nov. 30.
The charges filed against Brooks, growing out of an alleged Dec. 3 attack in Costa Mesa, involve an alleged rape and first-degree burglary with the use of a gun. An employee at a group home for the mentally disabled was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint after being tied and blindfolded.
“He is a suitable candidate for ‘one strike, you’re out,’ ” Deputy Dist. Atty. Claudia Silbar said. “It’s what the legislation was intended for--serious felonies coupled with other circumstances.”
Brooks’ attorney could not be reached for comment Friday.
Brooks now faces 17 counts filed in connection with three assaults in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Additional charges against Brooks, in connection with three additional attacks, are pending in Riverside County.
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