Sacramento jury convicts man of 2019 kidnapping and sexual assaults near American River

A Sacramento County jury convicted a man of kidnapping and three incidents of sexual assault that happened near the American River in 2019.

Manuel Sicario, 29, was found guilty Thursday of kidnap for the purpose of rape, assault with the intent to commit rape, sexual battery, attempted sexual battery, annoying or molesting a child and indecent exposure.

According to a news release from the Sacramento District Attorney’s office, Sicario sexually assaulted three victims in Sutter’s Landing Regional Park in August 2019.

The first of Sicario’s victims was 15 years old, according to the release. On Aug. 10, Sicario exposed himself to her and attempted to grab her arm at Sutter’s Landing, but she was able to flee without injuries and did not report the incident to the police.

The second two assaults took place on Aug. 18, about an hour apart at different locations at Sutter’s Landing. Both Sicario’s second and third victims were also able to escape without injuries.

The second of Sicario’s victims reported to police that the assault had occurred around 6:30 p.m. While police were investigating the incident, they received a report of an attempted rape across the park, occurring around 7:30 p.m. Sicario was seen fleeing westbound from the scene.

Sicario’s second victim was also made so uncomfortable by his behavior immediately prior to the assault that she took a video of him which law enforcement released to the public.

The victim’s video resulted in numerous tips to Sicario’s identity, including the first victim’s report that he had assaulted her as well. Sicario was arrested in Tulare County on Aug. 28, 2019 for the kidnapping and assault of the 15-year-old victim.

According to the news release, the jury found true allegations that Sicario’s crimes were committed with “planning, sophistication, and professionalism,” and that he “engaged in a violent conduct that indicates a serious danger to society.”

Sicario’s sentencing hearing is set for July 6 where he faces 32 years to life in prison.

This story was originally published June 9, 2022 at 4:25 PM.