A man was indicted by a grand jury this week after he reportedly broke into his ex-common law wife’s apartment and sexually assaulted her while their children were in the next room.
The defendant, 27-year-old Julian Gerald Rodriguez, was indicted on the charge of sexual assault, a second-degree felony.
Rodriguez’s ex-wife first told police last December she had been assaulted by him, a probable cause affidavit stated.
She told police Rodriguez had sent her a text message asking to come over and see his two children that day, but she denied his request and told him he would see them the following day per visitation orders, the report detailed.
A few minutes later, Rodriguez reportedly entered the apartment when one of the children opened the door for him while she was in the apartment, she told police.
After fighting Rodriguez off and running to the bathroom, the affidavit stated Rodriguez caught her, pinning her arms behind her back and locking the bedroom door behind them, where he sexually assaulted her.
The woman told police Rodriguez had demanded she allow him to see his children on Christmas, and released her after she agreed to his demands, the report detailed. Rodriguez reportedly told her “I’m just trying to make it work,” as he left the apartment.
A warrant was issued for Rodriguez and he was later arrested and charged by the Odessa Police Department in early February. He has been in the Ector County Detention Center since that time. Jail records show he has two bonds totaling $50,000.
Should Rodriguez be found guilty of sexual assault, he could be sentenced anywhere between two and 20 years in prison.
Court records show Rodriguez has an arraignment hearing scheduled for 3 p.m. May 7, where he will be formally issued the charges in the 244th District Court of Judge James Rush. Daniel Sarabia Jr. is listed as his attorney.
