Sonora, California – On June 04, 2021, a homeless female adult reported to the Sonora Police Department that she was picked up by a Hispanic male while walking along W. Stockton St. He was driving a dark colored SUV and pulled up next to her and offered her a ride. The victim accepted the offer and got inside of the vehicle. The male drove the victim to an undisclosed location instead of the intended destination. The male then ordered the victim out of the vehicle and raped her by force.

After the crime was reported to the Sonora Police Department, Officers contacted the victim and were able to collect DNA Samples during a forensic exam.

On 08/31/2021, Sonora Police Department Investigators received notification of a DNA match from the June 04th, 2021 rape. The DNA was matched to 37 year-old Joseph Frank Pineda Pimentel of Manteca.

Investigators worked with the Turlock Police Department and received information that Pineda Pimentel had been arrested on September 02, 2021 on similar charges.

On September 07, 2021, Investigator were able to make contact with Pineda Pimentel and he was taken into custody without incident. Pineda Pimentel was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail where he was booked on the charge of Rape using force or fear. Pineda Pimentel’s bail is currently set at $150,000. Pineda Pimental is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Investigators requested a Bail Enhancement to $500,000 which has been approved by a Tuolumne County Judge.

Investigators believe that there may be additional victims in the Central Valley and Foothills areas. Detectives urge any additional victims to come forward and report the crime to the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. Investigators ask homeless resource groups to encourage those they assist in the homeless resources groups to encourage those they assist in the homeless population to report any crime that occurs to them.
This investigation is ongoing.

We ask that anyone with information regarding this incident call the Police Department at (209) 532-8141.