Man Accused Of Groping 4 Women Sentenced To 3 Years Behind Bars
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — A 20-year-old Westminster man accused of grabbing the buttocks of four women, was sentenced Thursday to three years behind bars after pleading guilty.
Matthew [AKA Mathew] Andrew Linville will also have to resister as a lifetime sex offender, authorities said.
Linville had been charged with false imprisonment by violence and groping the women with sexual intent in public.
He plead guilty to the felony false imprisonment count and four misdemeanor counts of sexual battery.
Linville approached women who were jogging or shopping in August and September 2013. He approached them from behind and grabbed their buttocks forcibly. At least two of the women were pushed or fell to the ground during the battery.
None of the victims knew or were acquainted with Linville.
Each reported the crime to Huntington Beach Police and the Westminster Police Department, who handled the investigation.
Authorities said they were able to identify Linville using surveillance video obtained at the Burlington Coat Factory where the second victim was groped and Linville reportedly worked.
Linville was taken into custody in September 2013, said the office of the Orange County District Attorney.