The San Mateo Police Department managed to apprehend a suspect for numerous accounts of sexual assault by force or fear, criminal threats, and firearm charges. Yesterday, Rodrigo Soto Palacios was arrested in San Francisco for his crimes against a victim whose identity remains confidential, according to the San Mateo Police Department.
On August 28, the victim met with Soto in San Mateo, after over a year of knowing him. The suspect allegedly threatened to post nude photographs of her on social media if she did not comply with his demands. Under these circumstances, and with a firearm brandished at her, Soto forced the victim to perform sexual acts. Throughout the incident, he threatened the lives of the victim and her family and demanded money from her. After coming forward with her report on September 12, the Criminal Investigation Bureau took over the case, and a collaborative effort between patrol officers, detectives, and San Mateo County Task Force personnel led to the swift apprehension of the suspect.
Evidence gathered during the investigation resulted in the issuance of a search warrant. The discovery of an un-serialized pistol in the glove box of a car Soto had been driving further solidified the case against him. Rodrigo Soto Palacios, a 22-year-old Daly City resident, now faces multiple charges, including rape by force or fear, oral copulation by force or fear, extortion, false imprisonment, criminal threats, stolen vehicle, stalking, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony, and carrying a loaded firearm in public.
The San Mateo Police Department urges anyone with additional information related to this case to contact Detective Malott, highlighting the importance of collective participation for justice to prevail.
For individuals affected by sexual assault, the Rape Trauma Services Crisis Line offers support at (650) 692-7273. Their website also presents valuable resources for victims and those searching for ways to provide support to loved ones in need of guidance and healing.
