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Reality TV Dance Teacher Gets Jail Time for Rape; DA Calls Him "Rapist disguised as a popular salsa instructor"
Alex Da Silva
Alex Da Silva, a local dancer, instructor, and choreographer whose resume includes a gig on the hit reality show "So You Think You Can Dance" will be tripping the light fantastic behind bars for the next 10 years. Da Silva, 43, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for aping one woman and assaulting another, according to City News Service.
The North Hollywood resident was convicted in September on one count of forcible rape of a woman in an attack in August 2002, and also for an assault with intent to commit the rape of a second woman in a March 2009 attack. He was arrested in August of 2009.
During his trial, the prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Martha Carillo, said in remarks to the jury that Da Silva was "a rapist disguised as a popular salsa instructor,'' adding that with his looks, talent, and charm, no one would suspect him of being capable of such attacks.
The judge agreed today, noting that Da Silva is "a person who does not respect women,'' and characterized him as a narcissist who believes he will always get his way.
Da Silva was given credit for 1,032 days he has already served in jail, and will also have to register as a sex offender.
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