Crime & Safety
Man Given Maximum Sentence For Raping Blind Woman
Gilberto N. Perez of Sarasota was given a 15-year prison sentence.
This story was reported and written by Patch Local Editor Merab Favorite.
A Sarasota man was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a blind woman, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
Gilberto N. Perez, 34, of the 3900 block of Murdock Avenue, received the maximum penalty for sexual battery against a physically helpless victim on Wednesday, according to SCSO spokesperson Wendy Rose.
The victim, then 22, told detectives that she had gone to bed on the night of June 16, 2012 while her roommate and his friends, including Perez, continued drinking and socializing at her home.
She said she awakened to Perez assaulting her early the next morning. The victim immediately went to her roommate’s room and told him what happened. He confronted Perez, who then fled the home.
SCSO detectives located Perez two days later walking near Bee Ridge and Beneva roads. He has been held in Sarasota County Jail without bond since. Authorities said he would be transferred to a state penitentiary to serve out his sentence.
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