DATE:  June 14, 2019

CASE:  Amit Bharth (Case # 17FE014027)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Kevin Jones, Adult Sexual Assault Prosecution Unit

Amit Bharth was convicted by a jury of two counts of forcible rape and assault by means of force likely to cause great bodily injury with a great bodily injury allegation found true.  Bharth was also convicted of false imprisonment by force and violence.

In late January 2017, the victim became separated from a friend and was left stranded.  She met Amit Bharth outside of a grocery store and accepted a ride from him.  Bharth then took the victim to various motels and physically assaulted, beat and raped her over a period of one week.  The victim, who has a mental developmental delay, was under duress during this time.  Bharth commented on her disability and threatened her with physical harm and retribution if she were to tell anyone.  One night, Bharth violently assaulted the victim in a car, pulling out patches of her hair, breaking her nose, and hitting her head on a door frame and dashboard.  The next day, the victim was able to escape to a business where an employee called 911.  DNA evidence was located during the sexual assault exam, which was later matched to Bharth.

Bharth’s criminal history includes convictions for drug possession and sales, possession of a concealed firearm and theft.

Bharth faces a maximum sentence of 20 years, 8 months in prison.  Sentencing is set for July 12, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 26 before the Honorable Curtis Fiorini.