Linda Vista man pleads not guilty to alleged sexual assault of 5-year-old girl

A 22-year-old man accused of sneaking into a home in Linda Vista and sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl pleaded not guilty Wednesday in San Diego Superior Court.

Alejandro Jose Confesor was arrested Sunday in connection with a break-in last week at a home on Wellington Street near Daniel Avenue, according to police.

Confesor was arraigned on multiple charges, including lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 with force and assault with intent to commit rape or other sex acts during a residential burglary.

He faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison if convicted as charged. He is being held without bail.

“These parents, these kids, experienced something that no one ever should have, let alone this family,” said Deputy District Attorney Eric Bodnar. “It really is a parent’s worst nightmare.”

Using a Spanish translator to communicate with his client, defense attorney Kevin Haughton argued during Wednesday’s hearing that Confessor’s face should be pixelated in media photographs and video cameras because of an identification issue.

Judge John Pro ultimately denied that request. Haughton did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Investigators alleged Confesor made access into the girl’s room through an unlocked door around 1:45 a.m. April 18. Police believe he then assaulted the girl, who was described as a “complete stranger” to the man, San Diego police Lt. Michael Swanson said.

Confesor allegedly then attempted to re-enter the home Sunday around 3:25 a.m. by breaking into the garage and side yard but was unable to get inside the house, Swanson said. The home is Navy housing, but San Diego police are handling the investigation.

The victim’s parents discovered the intrusion when they woke up later that morning and reviewed overnight surveillance footage. The images from the security camera were quickly released by police.

Hours later, Confesor was arrested on Linda Vista Road north of Glidden Road, less than 2 miles from the girl’s home. Swanson said Confesor lives at a rental property nearby.