(CNS) Posted Thursday January 6, 2011 – 6:31pm
A man who attacked a woman who escaped by scrambling down a cliff at Point Dume State Park in Malibu was sentenced today to 24 years in prison.
Christian Marcus Verdin, 31, of San Bernardino, pleaded no contest to assault with intent to commit a rape and second-degree robbery in connection with the March 12 attack on the 45-year-old jogger.
In exchange for Verdin’s no contest plea, Van Nuys Superior Court Judge Michael Kellogg dismissed two other counts — assault with a deadly weapon and grand theft auto.
Investigators believe Verdin was carrying scissors when he approached the woman, who managed to break free and leaped over the side of a bluff to escape to the beach below.
Verdin was arrested April 2 by Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives after a DNA match identified him as the alleged assailant, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
He was sentenced to a three-year prison term in 2002 after being convicted of petty theft with priors, officials said.
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Article source: http://bhcourier.com/article/Local_News/Local_News/Man_Sentenced_to_24_Years_in_Prison_for_Attacking_Woman_in_Malibu/73773
Category: Prison Time