by Rob Nagle
San Francisco police have arrested a man on suspicion of kidnapping with the intent to commit sexual assaults while impersonating a police officer. Jeffrey Bugai, 35, of San Francisco was arrested July 10 and remains in custody in County Jail until his trial can begin, Officer Albie Esparza said.
Investigators claim that Bugai would target recently arrived immigrants from Central America with limited English-speaking ability, Esparza said. Bugai is alleged to have led his victims into thinking he was a police officer before bringing them to his home. There, he allegedly gave them alcohol or drugs before coercing or forcing the victims to perform sexual acts.
Bugai is also alleged to have handcuffed some of his victims, Esparza said, and threatened to have them deported if they reported him to police.
Police believe there may be more victims who have not contacted authorities. They are encouraged to come forward and call (415) 553-0123.
Bugai was known to frequent the areas around Mission and Ingleside stations as well as Hayward and Oakland, Esparza said.
Bugai was in court July 15 for arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty to five felony charges, Assistant District Attorney Alex Bastian said. The charges include two felony counts of kidnapping with the intent to commit a sexual-related assault, assault with the intent to commit a felony, attempted forcible oral copulation and attempted sodomy by use of force.
He is being held on $2 million bail and will return to court July 28 for to set a preliminary hearing date, Bastian said.