FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2019
Contact: Scott Alonso, 925-957-8638
[email protected]
Pittsburg Man Sentenced to 21 Years in State Prison for Multiple Assaults & Attempted Rape
Martinez, Calif. – On February 14, Judge Theresa Canepa sentenced defendant Sunny Pal of Pittsburg to 21 years in state prison as a result of Pal pleading guilty to four felonies, including the assault of his mother and the attempted sexual assault of Jane Doe. Pal also evaded Antioch Police and committed residential robbery against Jane Doe.
Pal remains at the Martinez Detention Facility awaiting transfer to state prison. Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney Ryan Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. The case originated in the Office’s Domestic Violence Unit.
"Throughout this case the victims showed tremendous courage in spite of incredibly challenging circumstances. Their strength combined with tremendous collaboration between the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments ensured the safety of our community," Wagner said.
In the early morning of January 11, 2016, Pal viciously assaulted his mother at their home. Later that same day, Pal visited the home of Jane Doe and assaulted her. He attempted to rape Jane Doe and used a Taser on her. During the course of the attempted sexual assault, Pal also took the victim’s cell phone from her and would not let her leave the residence. Pal eventually departed when another family member of Jane Doe’s arrived.
In January 2016, after Pal committed these offenses, Antioch Police attempted to arrest Pal. He evaded police and drove recklessly throughout Antioch. Ultimately, Pal jumped off the Antioch Bridge after the police chase ended. Pal survived the jump and local residents fishing under the bridge recovered Pal and brought him to the police waiting on shore. Pal was on felony probation for stalking during this time.
The felony counts against Pal:
- Count 1, Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Assault
- Enhancement 1, Use of Deadly Weapon
- Count 2, Assault by Means Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury
- Enhancement 1, Causing Great Bodily Injury
- Count 3, First Degree Residential Robbery
- Count 4, Fleeing A Pursuing Peace Officer’s Motor Vehicle and Driving Against Traffic
Case information: People v. Sunny Ajay Pal, Docket Number 05-170798-3
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