DATE: June 9, 2022

CASE: Manuel Sicario (Case #19FE015608)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Catrina Ranum, Adult Sexual Assault Prosecution Unit

Manuel Sicario was convicted by a jury of kidnap for the purpose of rape, assault with the intent to commit rape, sexual battery, attempted sexual battery, annoying or molesting a child and indecent exposure.  The jury also found true allegations that Sicario kidnapped the victim; the victim was particularly vulnerable; Sicario’s crimes were carried out with planning, sophistication, and professionalism; and Sicario engaged in a violent conduct that indicates a serious danger to society.

On August 10, 2019, the 15-year-old victim was at Sutter’s Landing when Sicario walked up next to her and began to masturbate. As Sicario masturbated, he pulled the victim towards him. The victim was able to pull away from him and flee. She did not call the police. On August 18, 2019, the second victim was at Sutter’s Landing when Sicario came near her and began to strip down to his underwear.  The victim was so uncomfortable with Sicario’s behavior that she took a video of him.  When the victim turned her back on Sicario, he immediately jumped on her.  Sicario straddled the victim and tried to grope her.  The victim was able to throw Sicario off of her, run away and call 911. The third victim was jogging on the bike path at Sutter’s Landing when she encountered Sicario standing on the bike path. When she tried to pass him, Sicario grabbed her, dragged her down the bike path and took her under the I-80 overpass. Sicario threw the victim to the ground exposed himself.  He then held one of the victim’s hands down as he pulled her clothes to expose her body. The victim tried to fight off Sicario during the entire attack. When Sicario covered the victim’s mouth to prevent her from screaming, the victim bit his hand so hard that he let her go for a minute.  The victim ran away screaming for help.  Law enforcement took the second victim’s video of Sicario and released it to the public, resulting in numerous tips. The tips included the first victim reporting that she was assaulted by the suspect as well. Sicario was located in Tulare County and arrested on August 28, 2019.

Sicario faces a maximum sentence of 32 years to life in prison.  Sentencing is set for July 6, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 10 before the Honorable Ernest Sawtelle.

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