December 8, 2006
University City Sexual Assault Charges
The man charged with sexual assaults in University City was in court for the first time Friday.
Thirty-nine-year old Teddy Baek, a Kearny Mesa travel agent who lives in the upscale Del Sur neighborhood, could get life in prison if convicted.
"Mr. Baek has been charged with several counts of forcible sex crimes," said San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Gretchen Means. "He has also been charged under our one strike sex crime statute which exposes him to 25 years to life."
Baek did not enter a plea in court Friday. His arraignment was continued until next Wednesday so a Korean interpreter could be present. He remains jailed with no bail set.
Defense Attorney Kerry Steigerwalt: "Mr. Baek was surprised by suddenly being accused of being a rapist," said defense attorney Kerry Steigerwalt outside the courtroom. "Certainly everything has taken him by surprise."
Prosecutors say they suspect there are other victims who have not come forward. San Diego sex crimes detectives are also investigating whether there is a link between the sexual assaults and a series of "peeping Tom" incidents near University City.
Published by Fox 6 News