Phony immigration attorney in Santa Ana accused of sexually assaulting woman, police say

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- A Santa Ana man was taken into custody Wednesday after he allegedly posed as an immigration attorney and sexually assaulted a woman.

Jose Bernal, 65, was arrested in Tustin after several workers at a local McDonald's recognized his photo from a post shared by the Santa Ana Police Department.

According to police, last November, the victim told police that she met Bernal at his office on E. 17th Street for immigration assistance.

[Bernal] told the victim the process would cost $14,000 but said he would offer a discount if she entered into a relationship with him," said police in a statement. "When the victim declined and attempted to leave, he grabbed her and sexually assaulted her in his office."

Bernal also allegedly offered the victim a $400 and a discount on her case if she didn't contact police.

The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective M. Tapia at 714-245-8379 or mtapia@santa-ana.org.