California Man Charged with Sexual Assault Amid Immigration Assistance Claims

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A 65-year-old man from Orange County, who falsely presented himself as an attorney, has been taken into custody on accusations of raping a woman seeking help with her immigration status last year. The incident has raised serious concerns about exploitation and abuse within vulnerable communities.

The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed for her protection, reported the incident to the Santa Ana Police Department. She recounted meeting the suspect, Jose Bernal, on November 12, 2024, at his office situated at 1203 E. 17th Street in Santa Ana. What was supposed to be a professional consultation quickly turned into a nightmare.

According to a statement released by the Santa Ana Police Department on social media, Bernal informed the woman that the immigration process would cost her $14,000. However, he proposed a discount if she agreed to engage in a personal relationship with him. The offer was met with her refusal, at which point Bernal allegedly assaulted her in his office.

In a disturbing turn of events, authorities revealed that Bernal attempted to buy the victim’s silence, offering her $400 along with a reduced fee on her case if she refrained from contacting law enforcement. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for protection against those who exploit their positions of trust.

“The suspect offered the victim $400 and a discount on her case if she did not contact police,” authorities added.

After asking for the public’s help in locating Bernal and posting his picture online this week, employees at a McDonald’s in Tustin recognized the suspect and immediately contacted law enforcement, resulting in his arrest nearly a year after the incident, on the morning of Oct. 29.

Authorities did not provide any information on whether Bernal is actually or has ever been an attorney. The State Bar of California has a record of a Jose Arthur Bernal who practiced law in Southern California but was disbarred in June 2012, though it’s unclear if that is the same person as the suspect in this case.

A University of California, Santa Cruz study found that immigration fraud is likely underreported because of noncitizens fearing arrest and deportation.

Information from the Federal Trade Commission showed that between 400 and 700 such scams were reported yearly between 2011 and 2014, though the study’s author, Associate Professor of Sociology Jose Manuel Pedroza, suggested those numbers are likely “just the tip of the iceberg.”

Detectives in Orange County believe Bernal may have additional victims and are asking anyone with information about this investigation or anyone who may have been victimized by the suspect to contact Santa Ana Police Department Detective M. Tapia at 714-245-8379 or by email at mtapia@santa-ana.org.