Sexual Assault Guilty Plea

March 31, 2022 8:55 PM

Santa Monica, CA – On May 26, 2016, Michael Roe-Chien HSU and a female victim were eating at a local restaurant in Santa Monica, CA. The victim got up to use the restroom, when HSU was observed by witnesses surreptitiously pulling out a vial and placing a liquid substance into her glass of wine. One witness got up to go tell security and warn the victim in the restroom of what occurred. When the victim returned to her table, HSU tried to get her to take a drink of her wine. The victim waited until police arrived. The incident was captured via surveillance footage. 

The Santa Monica Police Department ultimately arrested HSU for 220 PC – Assault with the Intent to Commit a Felony and 222 PC – Unlawfully Administering a Drug with Intent to Commit a Felony. Both charges were then filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Airport Court. 

Incident to arrest, HSU had three vials on his person that later tested positive for MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and melatonin. An electronic search warrant of HSU’s cellular phone device later revealed images and videos of HSU digitally penetrating the victim in an incapacitated state at various stages of their friendship, then dating relationship.

On March 18, 2022, Defendant Michael HSU pled guilty to the violation of Penal Code Section 289(e) - An act of sexual penetration where the victim was prevented from resisting by any intoxicating or anesthetic substance, or any controlled substance. HSU also admitted factors in aggravation. HSU must register as a Sex Offender pursuant to Penal Code 290 for lifetime and will serve time in jail. 

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