by Rob Nagle
A South San Francisco suspect in a March robbery is now facing several new charges of rape and sexual assault after a DNA test reportedly linked him to two cases that date back to 2001, said San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. Boris Chavez, 33, was arrested March 9 in connection with a strong-arm robbery in South City, according to police. A man walking in the 300 block of Commercial Avenue was reportedly approached by three men and assaulted by one of them.
The victim fell to the ground and the suspects kicked him several times before stealing $100 from him. The victim’s injuries were minor, police said, and he did not require medical attention.
Chavez was the only suspect arrested in connection with that case. After his arrest, a DNA sample was obtained from him, Wagstaffe said. However, Chavez was not prosecuted in the robbery case due to insufficient evidence.
After the monthslong process to run the DNA, prosecutors found it reportedly connected Chavez to two South City cases from 2001.
One of those cases happened May 4, 2001, when a woman was found beaten, bleeding and naked from the waist down, Wagstaffe said. She did not know what happened to her, but remembered running into some friends the night before and partying.
The other case dates to Nov. 1, 2001. A woman was drinking at a Halloween party and started to feel as if she was drugged and losing control of her body, Wagstaffe said. Prosecutors allege that Chavez and two other unidentified men carried her out to their car and took turns sexually assaulting her. The victim was reportedly in and out of consciousness throughout the attack and was ultimately able to stumble away and seek help.
After the DNA match, Chavez now faces eight felony counts related to the sexual assaults. He was in court Monday and appointed an attorney from San Mateo County’s private defender program.
Chavez's arraignment was continued to Tuesday so he can appear with his attorney, Wagstaffe said.
The charges he is accused of are all felonies, including three counts of rape, kidnapping with two enhancements, assault with the intent to commit rape, digital penetration against a victim’s will by use of force, digital penetration in concert with others and assault.
He remains in custody on $1.5 million bail.