A sexual assault suspect who is accused of posing as an attorney was arrested Thursday after being on the run for nearly a year.
Jose Bernal, 65, was arrested Thursday morning for sexual assault, which allegedly happened in November 2024, Santa Ana police said.
Bernal, who worked for BMB Multiservices on 17th Street and Grand Avenue in Santa Ana, claimed to be an attorney, demanded $14,000 for assistance and offered a discount if the woman agreed to start a relationship with him, police said.
When she refused and tried to leave, police said Bernal grabbed and rape her inside the office.
Bernal later offered her $400 and a discount on the service fee if she stayed quiet, according to police.
NBC Los Angeles reached a man who identified himself as Bernal’s brother on the phone. He said on the phone that the business belongs to his sister, and Bernal had worked for the business as a paralegal.
Searches on the California Alliance of Paralegal Associations showed no record of Bernal listed as a licensed paralegal or attorney.
BMB Multiservices, which is described as a tax preparation service on social media, declined to comment on Bernal’s arrest.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims of Bernal, urging people with any information to come forward.