Rape Suspect Hired Someone to Kidnap Victim Before Trial, Police Say

A 58-year-old Laguna Hills man who was out on bail on charges of sexually assaulting a teenage girl who is a relative was behind bars today on suspicion of trying to hire an undercover Costa Mesa detective to abduct the alleged victim and take her to Mexico so that she couldn’t testify against him, a Costa Mesa police lieutenant said.

Jesus Acosta-Inchaorrondo was booked Wednesday on suspicion of kidnapping and witness tampering, Costa Mesa police Lt. Paul Dondero said.

Acosta-Inchaorrondo already faces charges of rape, sodomy by force and criminal threats, all felonies, for the alleged Aug. 23 sexual assault of the girl whose age has been withheld, according to court records.

Acosta-Inchaorrondo posted $100,000 bail Sept. 7 and was released, according to court records.

Acosta-Inchaorrondo is next due in court Friday.

On Wednesday morning, a man called police saying Acosta-Inchaorrondo approached him about abducting the girl and taking her to Mexico so she couldn't testify against him, Dondero said.

Costa Mesa police arranged for an undercover detective to meet with the suspect in a Lake Forest parking lot, where a price was agreed on for the abduction, Dondero alleged.

Acosta-Inchaorrondo wanted the girl dropped off in Mexico and warned not to return, Dondero alleged.

Acosta-Inchaorrondo was being held without bail because he is accused of violating the terms of his release and he was placed on an immigration hold, Dondero said.

- City News Service