Testimony Begins In Case Of Sonoma Co. Supervisor Accused Of 'Peeking' Outside Female Neighbor's Window
SANTA ROSA (KCBS)— Testimony began Tuesday morning in Santa Rosa in the case of a Sonoma County supervisor accused of lurking outside a female neighbor's window in the middle of the night.
If convicted of a single misdemeanor charge of peeking, Supervisor Efren Carillo could be sentenced to six months in jail.
The alleged victim, referred to by the court as Jane Doe, described the area of her apartment complex from the witness stand, where prosecutors claim Carillo knocked on her window, broke her window screen and then knocked on her front door.
That incident happened at 3:30 a.m. on July 13th. Prosecutor Cody Hunt said Carillo was only wearing boxer shorts and socks. He was arrested on suspicion of prowling and burglary at that time.
The victim had told friends who were sleeping over that she was frightened and then called police.
Carillo later told police he had been drinking and was dropped off by his girlfriend at his adjoining apartment. He said he had a few "friendly" conversations with the woman before, but that there was no relationship between the two.
Carillo's defense attorney, Chris Andrian, had earlier told KCBS that he does not dispute that his client was at the scene that night, but he does question the misdemeanor charge of 'peeking'. He said it was a charge rarely used by prosecutors.
"People can behave badly. It doesn't mean they're committing crimes," Andrian said adding that it will be a tough case to defend.
Carillo, a Democratic supervisor who has served two terms, is expected to take the stand on Wednesday. He has refused to resign his seat despite calls from his fellow supervisors and other prominent city officials in Santa Rosa.