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SANTA ANA (CNS) - A 36-year-old man made his first appearance in court Thursday in Santa Ana on charges of robbing or attempting to rob four women while sexually assaulting the victims at gunpoint.
Sione Mounga Vea was charged Jan. 3 with 20 felony counts that include forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration, robbery, sodomy by force, kidnapping to commit a sex offense, assault with the intent to commit a sex offense, attempted robbery and rape, according to court records. The defendant also faces sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a gun.
The defendant's arraignment in the jail courtroom in Santa Ana on Thursday was rescheduled for Feb. 1 in the West Justice Center in Westminster. He was ordered held without bail.
Representatives with the Sheriff and Orange County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.