Rapist and kidnapper avoids jury

Just as jury selection was about to start, a Chula Vista man pleaded guilty Monday to rape and other charges that will expose him to a prison term of 55 years to life.

Ismael Hernandez, 28, pleaded guilty to raping a woman in Balboa Park during a rainy night on May 5, 2016. He also admitted an allegation that he kidnapped the young woman at knifepoint. He also pleaded guilty to forcible oral copulation.

Additionally, Hernandez pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping of a second woman later that same night. That woman testified she was carrying a plastic take-out order of food near Balboa Park when Hernandez approached her. She threw the food at him and was able to drive away without being assaulted.

San Diego Superior Court Judge Louis Hanoian set sentencing for sentencing for Oct. 20 in the new downtown courthouse which will be open by then. Deputy District Attorney Judy Taschner said she did not know why the defense sought the sentencing date four months from now. Hernandez remains in jail on $5 million bail.

Because Hernandez has a prior conviction for robbery in 2011, his 25 year sentence for the rape will be doubled. He is expected to receive another five years for having the prior robbery conviction.

Hernandez will have to serve 85% of the 55 years to life sentence before he can be paroled, said Taschner.  One of the victims was present to hear his guilty pleas Monday.

Ten other charges will be dismissed at sentencing. Hernandez was also accused of digital penetration, and other sexual assault charges involving a cellphone. The victim testified he took photos of her at 9:45 p.m. while she was without clothing. She said she didn’t think anyone heard her screams above the steady rainfall within some bushes in the park near a utility box.

San Diego Police officers arrested Hernandez May 7, 2016 in the 700 block of Broadway in Chula Vista.