Police name suspect in Santa Maria workplace sexual assault case
Monday, May 7, 2018 Update
The suspect accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Santa Maria as she began her work day on May 4 was identified as 42-year-old James Francisco Fuentes of Santa Maria.
Fuentes was arrested at Armstrong Park in the city of Santa Maria several hours after the assault. He was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail for violation of parole, but detectives have since added additional charges including, attempted murder, assault with intent to commit rape, kidnapping with the intent to commit rape, and other related charges.
The Santa Maria Police Department says it believes Fuentes has committed prior assaults similar to the May 4 sexual assault.
Anyone with information on this or similar incidents is asked to call the Santa Maria Police Detective Bureau at 805-928-3781 ext. 2278. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 805-928-3781 ext. 2677.
Friday, May 4, 2018 Update
Santa Maria police say they have a suspect believed to be responsible for the sexual assault Friday morning in custody.
The suspect has not yet been identified but police say the arrest took place several hours after the investigation into the attack began.
The reported sexual assault happened inside an office building on May 4 as the victim started her day at work, according to investigators. Police say this was a random attack. The suspect showed up at the office building.
The investigation is ongoing.
ORIGINAL STORY
Authorities are investigating a reported sexual assault that occurred Friday morning in the city of Santa Maria.
Police officers were sent to the area of 1400 E. Main Street at about 7:30 a.m. to investigate the crime.
Officers spoke with the victim of the attack but the Santa Maria Police Department did not reveal the victim’s condition. Police were unable to find the suspect despite additional officers being called out to the scene to assist with a suspect search.
Detectives are working the case contacting businesses and residents in the area for additional information or evidence. They describe the suspect as a Hispanic man between 5-feet 8-inches and 5-feet 11-inches tall. The suspect was last seen wearing dark clothing.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Santa Maria Police Department’s tip line at 805-928-3781 ext. 2677.
