A man convicted in a series of sexual assaults targeting three women in Fresno has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Ezequiel Lopez, 31, was originally charged with 12 counts in connection with the attacks, which took place in spring 2022. He later pleaded no contest to four counts as part of a plea deal.
Investigators said each attack followed a similar pattern. The three victims ranged in age from 17 to 59 and were experiencing homelessness at the time.
Investigators said Lopez would drive along Ashlan Avenue and offer the women a ride. His vehicle had a rideshare sticker on the windshield.
Two of the women entered the vehicle, while another was forced inside.
Lopez would then display a BB gun designed to look like an AR-15 rifle and force the women to engage in sexual acts.
Investigators eventually tracked down Lopez through surveillance video and he was arrested.
None of the victims were in the courtroom for Lopez’s sentencing.
Lopez has already received credit for more than 1,800 days of time served, leaving him with just over 11 years remaining on his sentence.
He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life.
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