A 22-year-old man accused of breaking into a Linda Vista home and sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl pleaded not guilty Wednesday in San Diego Superior Court.
Alejandro Jose Confesor was arrested Sunday in connection with a break-in last week at a residence on Wellington Street, near Daniel Avenue, according to police.
Confesor was charged with several counts, including lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 with force and assault with intent to commit rape or other sexual acts during a residential burglary.
He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the charges against him. He is being held without bail.
“These parents, these children experienced something that no one should have ever experienced, least of all this family,” Assistant District Attorney Eric Bodnar said. “It truly is a parent’s worst nightmare.”
Using a Spanish translator to communicate with his client, defense attorney Kevin Houghton argued during Wednesday’s hearing that Confessor’s face should be pixelated in media photographs and video cameras because his client was victim of possible mistaken identity on the part of the police.
Judge John Pro ultimately rejected this request. Houghton did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Investigators alleged that Confesor gained access to the girl’s bedroom through an unlocked door around 1:45 a.m. on April 18. Police believe he then assaulted the girl, who was described as a “complete stranger” to the man, said San Diego police Lt. Michael Swanson. .
Confesor then allegedly attempted to enter the home around 3:25 a.m. Sunday by breaking into the garage and side yard, but was unable to enter the home, Swanson said. The house is owned by the Navy, but San Diego police are investigating.
The victim’s parents discovered the intrusion when they woke up later that morning and viewed the nighttime surveillance footage. Security camera footage was quickly released by police.
Hours later, Confesor was arrested on Linda Vista Road, north of Glidden Road, less than 2 miles from the girl’s home. Swanson said Confesor lived in a rental property nearby.
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