Parents and students in Berkeley are on edge after prosecutors charged 22-year-old Uriel Alegre‑Rangel in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 16‑year‑old girl near the Berkeley High School campus in October 2025. Alameda County prosecutors have opened a criminal case, and court records show it is still pending. Alegre‑Rangel has pleaded not guilty and was released from custody following his arraignment while the case moves through the courts.
According to reporting by the New York Post, investigators say Alegre‑Rangel was taken into custody so officers could obtain a DNA sample, and that the swab matched genetic material collected in the victim’s rape kit. Court filings summarized in that coverage say the girl had contacted the suspect via social media to buy a marijuana vape pen and told him she was 16. Police allege the meeting turned violent and that the defendant had previously sold cannabis and tobacco products to Berkeley High students. Prosecutors filed felony counts in late May, and the investigation remains active, according to the reporting.
What the Charge Means
Prosecutors are pursuing the case under California’s statute on unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. California Penal Code §261.5 makes sex with a person under 18 a crime, allowing prosecutors to seek either felony or misdemeanor charges depending on the ages of those involved and the circumstances. There are enhanced provisions when an adult is 21 or older and the victim is under 16. For the statutory language, see the California Legislature.
Where the Case Stands
Court documents reviewed by the New York Post indicate Alegre‑Rangel pleaded not guilty at a June 10 hearing and was released from custody while pretrial proceedings continue. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office filed charges on May 20, according to that reporting, and prosecutors say they are preparing for motions and evidence disclosures ahead of trial. There has been no conviction, and the case remains subject to further court review and additional filings.
School and Community
Berkeley High’s downtown campus sits at 1980 Allston Way, just steps from busy city streets, and parents and students told neighborhood outlets the arrest has heightened concerns about safety on and around school grounds. The case has renewed conversations in the community about how younger students connect with older buyers online and in the areas surrounding campus. Hoodline will update this story as verifiable new information, official statements or court filings become available.
