Bay City News Service
Sonoma County Supervisor Efren Carrillo appeared in a Santa Rosa courtroom this morning after allegedly being found prowling outside a woman's home over the weekend, but is not yet facing charges in the case.
Carrillo, 32, was arrested early Saturday morning on suspicion of felony burglary and misdemeanor prowling at a woman's residence in the area of Stony Point Road and West Third Street in west Santa Rosa.
Santa Rosa police Sgt. Terry Anderson said the woman's bedroom window screen had been torn enough that someone could reach through it and partially open the bedroom window.
The woman said she was awakened by the sound of window blinds moving. She called police at about 3:40 a.m. The woman told investigators that after she called police, the prowler knocked on her front door and identified himself as a neighbor before he ran away, Anderson said.
Police said Carrillo was wearing only socks and underwear when he walked toward responding officers with his cellphone.
After his arrest, Carrillo, who has entered an alcohol treatment center, released a statement saying, "I realize that my behavior was embarrassing. It involved alcohol and I'm taking immediate steps to seek professional help."
Carrillo's attorney, Chris Andrian, said he has advised the 5th District supervisor not to comment further on his arrest or whether he intends to resign.
Earlier this week, Andrian said he doesn't believe Carrillo intended to break into the home or sexually assault the woman. Santa Rosa police summoned a domestic violence and sexual assault detective to the scene Saturday.
At Carrillo's hearing this morning, Judge Jamie Thistlethwaite recused herself because Andrian worked on her election campaign. Thistlethwaite sent the case to Judge Gary Medvigy.
Napa County Deputy District Attorney Cody Hunt, who was appointed by the state attorney general's office to prosecute the case on its behalf, told Medvigy the prosecution was not ready to file charges.
Hunt and Andrian agreed on Aug. 30 as the next court date. After the hearing this morning, Hunt said the prosecution needs time to make a decision about whether charges will be filed and if so, what those charges will be.
Carrillo, who looked tired and had visible redness under his eyes this morning, is out of custody. Medvigy ordered him not to contact the woman involved in Saturday's incident directly or indirectly, including on social media sites, and to stay 100 feet away from her.
Carrillo lives near the woman's residence, and the judge's order does not prohibit him from returning to his home after he leaves the treatment facility.
Medvigy also said the fact that he himself resides in west Sonoma County, which is included in the 5th District, will not affect his ability to preside over the proceedings.
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