A Sept. 12 trial date was set Monday for a Ventura County man accused of tackling a pedestrian to the ground on a La Jolla roadside and sexually assaulting her.
Marco Antonio Villasenor, 25, of Oxnard is charged with assault with intent to commit rape and other counts stemming from the March 2 attack.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges today at his Superior Court arraignment and remains free on $100,000 bail.
Villasenor allegedly ran up to a woman from behind and attacked her as she was walking to her car in the 7700 block of Exchange Place shortly after 9 p.m.
The assailant fled after the 25-year-old victim fought back and screamed, according to San Diego police Lt. Paul Phillips. The woman made a 911 call to report the crime, and officers took Villasenor into custody a short time later on nearby Fay Avenue.
The victim identified Villasenor as her alleged attacker, the lieutenant said.
A July 25 readiness conference is set for Villasenor, who faces up to eight years in prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney Judy Taschner.
— City News Service
