Man convicted of sexually abusing sleeping women and hikers in Thousand Oaks area – NBC Los Angeles

A Woodland Hills man was sentenced Thursday for attacking several sleeping women and hikers in Thousand Oaks and Oak Park.

Edgar Ruelas, 42, was found guilty on five counts after attacking five women between June 2017 and March 2020. Three of the victims were hiking when Ruelas attacked them. He was dressed all in black, wearing gloves and a ski mask.

The other two victims were sleeping when Ruelas entered their home through unlocked doors.

Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office East County Sexual Assault Unit were able to arrest Ruelas after identifying his vehicle during an escape attempt following an attack on his fifth victim in March 2020.

Ruelas’ DNA was tested and linked to evidence from the other attacks.

Ruelas was sentenced by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko to 32 years to life in prison plus an additional 21 years in prison.

“Thanks to the five brave women who faced Ruelas in court, I hope he will never be free to commit assault again,” said Assistant District Attorney Brent Nibecker. “While we cannot replace his sense of security, I hope this life sentence will bring them the justice they so richly deserve.”