Peninsula Burglary Suspect Made Male Victims Spank or Hug Him After Grabbing Their Genitals: Prosecutors

REDWOOD CITY, CA – A 24-year-old San Mateo man accused of breaking into several local homes, groping some residents and stealing property has pleaded not guilty to burglary and sexual battery charges, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office.

According to District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, Ismael Espinoza-Vazquez broke into five homes and stole property. And while he was at two of the residences, "... the victims were home and [the] defendant grabbed the victims’ genitals and made the victims spank or hug him."

Espinoza-Vazquez, 24, was arrested on Monday in connection to the case, after police received multiple calls of a man breaking into several residences in the area between North Kensington Street and North Bayshore Boulevard, according to police.

Authorities say they responded to the area immediately, and say they found a man leaving through a resident's window and "swiftly took him into custody" – after a brief chase and struggle by the suspect that injured an officer.

Investigators have since connected him to two other crimes in the last two years. In June, he allegedly grabbed a victim who was drying off after a shower in a 24 Hour Fitness gym. In July 2015, he allegedly stole $2,200 worth of property from a parked car, prosecutors said.

Espinoza-Vazquez is charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of attempted burglary, three counts of trespassing, five misdemeanor counts of sexual battery, three counts of vandalism, resisting arrest, battery on a peace officer and grand theft, prosecutors said.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges in court in South San Francisco and was ordered to return to court on Jan. 17. He remains in custody on $300,000 bail.

– Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone / Bay City News Service contributed to this report