Man Held in Laguna Niguel Rape, Robbery
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LAGUNA NIGUEL — A 21-year-old Mission Viejo man is in custody on suspicion of raping and robbing a Laguna Niguel woman after breaking into her home last month, sheriff’s officials said Friday.
Nate Starr Powell was being held at the Orange County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail after being arrested Thursday, according to Sheriff’s Lt. Ron Wilkerson.
Investigators are seeking other possible victims who may recognize Powell, Wilkerson said.
Detectives said an intruder raped a 46-year-old woman in the early morning hours of Jan. 5 after breaking a first-floor window.
The man, described at the time as being stocky with curly hair, spent 45 minutes in the victim’s home after confronting her in her bedroom, and then stole money from her purse, Wilkerson said.
Clues gathered by detectives canvassing the neighborhood led to Powell, and DNA evidence appears to link the suspect to the scene, Wilkerson said.
Anyone with information can call sheriff’s investigators at (714) 647-7419.
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