A sexual assault suspect who is accused of posing as an attorney was arrested Thursday after being on the run for nearly a year.

Jose Bernal, 65, was arrested Thursday morning for sexual assault, which allegedly happened in November 2024, Santa Ana police said.

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Bernal, who worked for BMB Multiservices on 17th Street and Grand Avenue in Santa Ana, claimed to be an attorney, demanded $14,000 for assistance and offered a discount if the woman agreed to start a relationship with him, police said.

When she refused and tried to leave, police said Bernal grabbed and rape her inside the office.

Bernal later offered her $400 and a discount on the service fee if she stayed quiet, according to police.

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