Sonoma County Sheriff's Office DVSA Detectives arrest three men for the sexual assault of a woman held captive for months.
Detectives from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit have been working diligently to investigate information that would lead to the arrest of the men responsible for holding hostage and brutally sexually and physically assaulting a 22 year old female, reported last week.
The Detectives, after an exhaustive investigation, developed probable cause to believe that the man who masterminded the criminal acts and committed the sexual assault crimes was the resident of the main house at 3555 Stony Point Road in Santa Rosa. They authored a warrant for the arrest of Jose Angel Barajas-Mireles, a 34 year old man from Santa Rosa. Because he was a flight risk the judge increased the bail amount to six million dollars.
On Wednesday February 25, 2015, at about 4:00 PM, three men came to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office to retrieve property seized during the search warrant service last Thursday. They were detained as they approached the building.
Detectives arrested Jose Angel Barajas-Mireles for the warrant charging him with aggravated sodomy, aggravated oral copulation, and aggravated rape. Additional charges may be added as the investigation unfolds.
Also arrested was Jaime Gomez Cisneros, a 52 year old man from Watsonville, and Guillermo Crestino Avina, a 34 year old man, of Santa Rosa.
Each of them were charged with false imprisonment and as an accessory to Barajas-Mireles’ criminal actions by aiding and abetting her captivity. Avina also had the charge of violation of probation. The two could also face additional charges as the investigation continues.
Detectives learned that the victim had been held against her will, threatened and brutalized since sometime during the holidays, until her escape several days ago. Out of an overwhelming sense of fear of retaliation coupled with the traumatic events she endured, she initially stated to law enforcement that she had been kidnapped at gunpoint.
Detectives determined that Barajas-Mireles orchestrated the events that led to the victim being held captive on the property on Stony Point Road. He is responsible for much of the sexual and physical assaults. Cisneros and Avina were responsible for guarding the victim and preventing her from leaving the compound.
The victim is safe at an undisclosed location.
This is an open and active investigation. More details will be forthcoming only in a manner that does not jeopardize the case.
The three men were booked into Sonoma County Jail. Barajas-Mireles bail was set at $6 million dollars. Cisneros and Avina's bails were $11,000 apiece. They are due to be arraigned on February 27, 2015 at 1:30 PM.
Anyone with information pertaining to this case is encouraged to call the Investigations Tip Line at 707-565-2185. You can leave a message anytime, day or night, and remain anonymous if you desire.
Case# 150218-029
Prepared by Sergeant Cecile Focha
Media Relations / PIO
Address/Location
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office
2796 Ventura Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-565-2650