By Redacción
Redaccion@latinocc.com
A jury has convicted Caleb Dean DeBinion, 36, of Thousand Oaks, of multiple sexual assault charges, including forcible rape, in connection with an attack on a woman in a motel room, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced Friday.
DeBinion was found guilty on Feb. 21 of forcible rape, false imprisonment, forcible oral copulation, sexual battery, and two counts of sexual penetration by force or fear. Following the verdict, he was taken into custody and is awaiting sentencing.
Details of the assault
The assault occurred on May 24, 2023, after DeBinion encountered the victim and her mother several times. He offered them the use of his motel room to take a shower, an offer they accepted with the understanding that they were not obligated to provide anything in return.
The victim entered the motel room first to shower, but while she was in the bathroom, DeBinion entered naked and proceeded to assault her. Despite her repeated protests, he continued the attack after she left the shower. He then forced her to shower again before she managed to escape and report the incident. Law enforcement officers responded, and DeBinion was taken into custody.
Prosecution’s response
Deputy District Attorney Rosa Romero, from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the victim for her bravery in facing her accuser in court. We are grateful she was able to obtain the justice she deserves,” Romero said. “I also want to thank the jury for their careful and thorough consideration of all the evidence.”
DeBinion is also facing a special allegation that the victim was particularly vulnerable. A judge is set to rule on that enhancement during a hearing scheduled for Feb. 26 at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 45.
