Homeless man charged in Buena Park burglaries, sexual assault of child

SANTA ANA — A 21-year-old transient was charged today with three burglaries, including one in which he is accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old Buena Park girl.

Joel Solis Aguirre was charged with three felony counts of residential burglaries, and one felony count each of assault with intent to commit a sexual offense during a residential burglary, lewd act on a child younger than 14 years old, attempted kidnapping to commit a sexual offense, attempted
kidnapping for child molestation and attempted residential burglary, according to Deputy District Attorney Mark Birney.

Aguirre broke into a home about 2 a.m. June 22 and stole property downstairs before creeping upstairs where he attacked the girl, Birney said.

Aguirre used a razor blade to cut open her shorts around her crotch and told her four times to leave her bedroom with him, Birney said.

When the girl started crying, Aguirre fled, Birney said.

Aguirre left fingerprints in the home, and Buena Park police arrested him based on that evidence. He had been arrested June 13 on suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia and driving without a license, authorities said.

Before Aguirre was arrested early Monday while trying to break into a home at 70 Frances Circle, he burglarized two homes Friday and Saturday, Birney and police said. He stole wallets, purses, cell phones and other valuables from the homes, where he also left fingerprints behind, Birney said.

Aguirre was described as a "down-on-his-luck methamphetamine user'' who left Las Vegas and came to the area about a month or two ago, according to Buena Park police Sgt. Roger Powell.

Aguirre faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Aguirre's arraignment scheduled for today was postponed until July 16.