San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.comNot Guilty Plea From Man Accused In 2000 Series Of Break-Ins, Rapes

Not Guilty Plea From Man Accused In 2000 Series Of Break-Ins, Rapes

A former San Diego resident accused in a series of break-ins and rapes in Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and the College area in late 2000 and early 2001 pleaded not guilty today to 23 felony charges, including forcible rape.

Stephen Darien Richardson, 33, was ordered held on $1 million bail.

He was arrested last week in Arlington Heights, Ill., where he had been living for about five years.

The defendant was identified last month through physical evidence as a suspect in a Sept. 2, 2000, sex assault in Ocean Beach, according to San Diego police.

A DNA sample taken following Richardson's arrest allegedly tied him to four other home-invasion sexual assaults that took place in San Diego between June 2000 and February 2001.

All five crimes were committed during the late-night or early-morning hours, said Lt. Rick O'Hanlon. In each case, the assailant entered the victim's home through an unlocked door or window, according to the lieutenant.

According to a declaration in support of an arrest warrant, Richardson lived in Pacific Beach between May and October 2000, which is about four miles from two of the sexual assaults.

According to the document, Richardson was arrested in 1995 for an alleged sexual assault while he was in the Navy. He was tried and acquitted of that charge in a military court, according to the court document.

Besides forcible rape, Richardson is charged with forcible sexual penetration, forcible oral copulation, residential burglary and sexual battery with restraint.

He faces 225 years to life in state prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth McClutchey.

Judge Charles Gill scheduled a status conference for Friday, when a preliminary hearing date will be set.