Pacific Beach rapist’s parole hearing postponed

SAN DIEGO — Then known as the Pacific Beach Rapist, he attacked at least seven women over a two-year period in the early 1990s. Kenneth Bogard was eventually arrested and sentenced to 96 years in prison. His victims thought that was the end. They believed they would never have to deal with him again. Then the law changed and he was eligible for parole.

Kim Caldwell had the courage to be a public face in the fight for justice. She called out the authorities loudly until they finally made the rape case a priority, leading to Bogard’s arrest and conviction.

It happened more than 30 years ago, but Kim still clearly remembers details of that night. For example, she woke up and a stranger was on top of her and she had a knife to her throat.

“There were blade marks everywhere and then I had scratches on my chin from the sharp edge or whatever,” Kim said Wednesday, pointing to her neck. “I thought I was going to bleed for sure.”

Kim, who now lives in Virginia, came to Bogart’s parole hearing in San Diego on Wednesday. He wasn’t supposed to be released until 2043, but due to prison overcrowding, inmates over 50 who have served at least 20 years of their sentence are eligible for what’s known as “elderly parole.”

“Basically, it was about releasing drug dealers who had been given long prison sentences for selling weed,” Kim said. “That’s how I remember it, and why they didn’t exclude sex offenders, I don’t know.”

Kim says Bogard has yet to take responsibility for his actions and believes this is a sign he will rape again. And she is not alone.

“I’m not worried about myself anymore, I’m more worried about what might happen if he gets out,” said Helen Toma, Bogard’s second victim.

It is the first time she has spoken about the attack on camera. She accompanied Kim to an AirBNB in ​​Pacific Beach to testify at Wednesday’s parole hearing. They wanted Bogard, who is in a Northern California prison, to see them on the beach while he was behind bars. But just as it was about to begin, the hearing was postponed because Bogard’s attorney called in sick.

Both women describe the delay as disappointing, but Helen also sees a positive side.

“I’m glad I know he’s definitely going to stay in prison for at least another four to six months,” she said.

The women say it is difficult to relive what they went through, but the pain is worth it to prevent others from becoming victims.

“I will do everything in my power, everything in my power, to stop this from happening,” Kim said, adding that she will return to San Diego when the hearing is rescheduled in four to six months.

RELATED: PB rapist sentenced to 96 years in prison, up for probation

See also: PB rapist sentenced to 96 years in prison eligible for parole (May 2, 2024)