A man who raped a Lemon Grove woman was sentenced Jan. 19 to 48 years to life in prison, and his girlfriend is awaiting sentencing for giving him information about the victim’s whereabouts and schedule.
Jury selection was about to start for Roberto Ricardo Ortega, 23, but he agreed to plead guilty to rape, forcible sodomy, forcible oral copulation, and robbery in the June 17, 2015 incident. He agreed to immediate sentencing from El Cajon Superior Court Judge John Thompson.
A man who raped a Lemon Grove woman was sentenced Jan. 19 to 48 years to life in prison, and his girlfriend is awaiting sentencing for giving him information about the victim’s whereabouts and schedule.
Jury selection was about to start for Roberto Ricardo Ortega, 23, but he agreed to plead guilty to rape, forcible sodomy, forcible oral copulation, and robbery in the June 17, 2015 incident. He agreed to immediate sentencing from El Cajon Superior Court Judge John Thompson.
The victim lived with Ortega and Cara Amanda Leonard, 32, for several months, but they kicked her out and the rape occurred days later, said Deputy District Attorney Kerry Conway. The woman was assaulted in her new home in Lemon Grove, and Ortega took her wallet, purse, and phone.
Thompson imposed three 15-year sentences that he ordered to run consecutively plus three years for the robbery of her bankcard that Ortega used to buy gasoline. Ortega was fined $10,000 and given credit for seven months in jail.
The three sex convictions were considered strikes that carry 15 years to life sentences as part of the three strikes law. Conway said she was pleased with the case outcome as the victim “didn’t have to testify at the trial” and also with the long sentence.
Leonard pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit residential burglary, identity theft, and burglary. She faces a maximum term of six years and eight months at her sentencing Feb. 16.
According to the conspiracy charge, Leonard gave Ortega the address where the victim moved to, her schedule, and other personal information. Ortega struck the victim in the head, sexually assaulted her, and ransacked her home.
Both Ortega and Leonard were ordered to stand trial on the charges after a preliminary hearing last Aug 18. Members of the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested him July 23.
Leonard remains in the Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility without bail, and Ortega awaits transfer to a prison.
