Fund Drive For Alleged San Mateo Rape Victim Raises $170K

SAN MATEO, CA — A fundraising drive established by the San Mateo Police Officers Association in support of a woman in her 60's who was the alleged victim of a violent rape has raised approximately $170,000, the group announced in a news release Sunday.

The SMPOA is soliciting donations on a GoFundMe drive among other platforms. It has already shattered its $125,000 donation goal.

The funds are needed to help a woman who was badly beaten during the alleged assault and faces a tough recovery, the POA statement said.

The woman is the sole provider for two young children and a caregiver for her 90-year-old mother, according to police.

Police said the assault occurred Wednesday at around 10:40 p.m. at 9th Avenue and S El Camino Real while the woman was waiting at a bus stop.

Alejandro Venegas Guevara, a 27-year-old homeless man who police identified as the suspect in this case, was arrested in Redwood City on Tuesday.

Police said the woman is in dire need of financial assistance.

"These are the real-life effects of victimization, not to mention the mental health ramifications of experiencing such trauma," the SMPOA said in a statement earlier this month

"Our police officers see the seriousness of this case, and that's why we're reaching out to you."

SMPOA President Rory McMilton said in a statement earlier this month that the alleged victim's plight has brought in donations from throughout the country.

"This heinous crime has shaken our community, however, the support she's receiving is the silver lining," McMilton said. "We will be advocating for aggressive prosecution of the suspect, and have confidence he will be given the highest possible sentence afforded to him under California law."

How to help:

• Contribute to the Compassionate Fundraising After Rape Crisis GoFundMe.
• Contribute by using PayPal or Venmo and writing "Rape Victim Support" in the notes section.
• Contribute in person by visiting any Police Credit Union and mentioning the San Mateo Police Officers' Association Crime Survivor Fund.