A California college student finds himself entrenched in serious legal troubles, accused of the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl at his dormitory. Currently, Andres Manuel Aguilar, a 19-year-old attendee of Menlo College, remains behind bars without the possibility of bail. Prosecutors and investigators are actively assessing the situation, considering the possibility of other victims stepping forward.
Aguilar faces grave charges, including two counts of forcible sexual assault—specifically rape and oral copulation. Additionally, he is charged with a felony for allegedly providing marijuana to a minor during what is claimed to have been a May 5 incident.
The case proceedings took a brief pause, with the preliminary hearing being pushed to August 27. Meanwhile, investigators continue to delve into details that could lead to further indictments.
Andres Manuel Aguilar, a 19-year-old student at Menlo College, now faces serious allegations that include forcible sexual assault and distributing marijuana to a minor. (Credit: FOX 2 San Francisco)
San Mateo County District Attorney, Steve Wagstaffe, remarked to the media, “There is nothing new to report regarding a potential second victim in the Aguilar investigation.” He noted that the case’s adjournment to August 27 allows ample time for law enforcement to thoroughly investigate. This will inform the prosecutor’s decision on whether there is enough evidence to levy additional charges concerning another alleged victim.
According to court notes provided to News Media by San Francisco affiliate FOX 2, prosecutors allege the girl snuck out of her home after previously meeting Aguilar at a Menlo Park bus stop. Although the girl told Aguilar she was 17 years old, prosecutors said he acknowledged she was still underage.
The pair walked to a Safeway store, where prosecutors say they obtained beer and rum before returning to Aguilar’s dorm room. There, investigators allege they drank alcohol and vaped marijuana before Aguilar sexually assaulted the girl despite her repeatedly telling him “no.”
The entrance to Menlo College in Atherton, California, where prosecutors allege the incident occurred inside a campus dormitory. (Google Maps)
Aguilar then allegedly became concerned about a possible pregnancy and used DoorDash to have a Plan B emergency contraceptive delivered to his dorm room before giving it to the girl.
Investigators also say dormitory surveillance video captured Aguilar and the girl entering his room before later showing the girl leaving.
In a statement, Menlo College said it takes allegations of criminal conduct seriously and is cooperating with law enforcement, but declined to comment on Aguilar specifically.
A gavel sits on a judge’s bench as people leave court. (iStock)
“Due to federal and state privacy laws and College policy, Menlo College cannot comment on matters involving identifiable individuals,” the statement read, adding that further questions should be directed to the Atherton Police Department.
Wagstaffe said investigators are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Aguilar to contact law enforcement.
“It is our hope that if there are additional victims out there, we want them to come forward so we can provide justice for any such crimes,” Wagstaffe said.
Whether additional charges are filed will depend on the evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation, the district attorney added.
News Media has reached out to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding Aguilar’s immigration status, as well as The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, which is representing Aguilar, for comment.