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Man posing as attorney accused of sex assault
Police say a man who allegedly posed as an immigration attorney is accused of sexually assaulting his would-be clients.
Are you or someone you know a recent survivor of sexual assault? Help is available. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) provides a 24/7 national sexual assault hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man posing as an attorney was arrested, accused of raping a woman who needed help with her immigration status.
65-year-old Jose Bernal is accused of posing as an immigration attorney and sexually assaulting women who came to him for help.
What we know:
Santa Ana PD officials said on Nov. 12, 2024, the alleged victim reported she met with Bernal, who claimed to be an attorney.
The two met at his office, which he operated at an auto insurance office, located at 1203 E. 17th St., located between Grand and Lincoln avenues in Santa Ana.
The victim told authorities she was looking for help with her immigration status and that Bernal informed her the process would cost $14,000. He then reportedly said he could offer a discount if she would engage in a relationship with him.
She declined and when she tried to leave, he reportedly grabbed her and raped her in his office.
After the sexual assault, Bernal is accused of offering her a $400 discount if she did not contact authorities.
According to Santa Ana police, Bernal is a document preparer.
Jose Bernal being arrested
What they're saying:
"They're coming already very vulnerable or feeling like, you know, they need help. And so when Jose takes advantage of that situation and victimizes them in a different manner, it's very saddening. And we're taking this, this crime very serious," said Public Information Officer Natalie Garcia with the Santa Ana Police Department.
Bernal was arrested at a McDonald's in Tustin Thursday morning after employees recognized him from a social media post. In addition to the Santa Ana case, Tustin police say they have two cases against Bernal.
What you can do:
Those with information about Bernal are asked to contact Detective M. Tapia at 714-245-8379 or via email.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Santa Ana Police Department.