Image via WikipediaVAN NUYS – A magazine salesman convicted of sexually assaulting a San Fernando Valley woman after forcing his way into her home was sentenced today to 45 years and two months to life in state prison.Deputy District Attorney Jane Creighton said 25-year-old Gerald Vidal was sentenced by Van Nuys Superior Court Judge Barry Taylor, who presided over the trial that led to a jury in late February convicting the defendant of burglary, kidnapping and sexual assault. He was ordered to pay the victim restitution of $1,928.
The victim spoke, but only to thank the prosecution and court for their handling of the case, Creighton added.
Vidal was working with an out-of-state group of door-to-door magazine salespeople who were staying at a motel in Woodland Hills.
Authorities said the defendant knocked on the door of the victim’s home in Woodland Hills on Dec. 17, 2009. She said she would buy a magazine subscription, but had to go to the bank to get money.
She closed the door and a few minutes later, Vidal returned, forced his way inside, sexually assaulted the woman and ransacked the house, authorities said. He was tracked to the motel by police and arrested there.
Vidal has been in custody on $4.5 million bail since he was arrested shortly after the assault.
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