A search warrant recently released reveals disturbing allegations against a MCAS Miramar-based Marine accused of videotaping the rape of his former girlfriend.
Nicolas Vega's former girlfriend accused him of raping her on May 3. The victim is also the mother of his first daughter, and claims Vega used video footage of the rape in a child custody battle.
Vega was deployed to Iraq shortly after joining the Marines in 2004. Since then, the 28-year-old man has risen in rank to Staff Sergeant. But now his future is in doubt.
The victim says Vega took her to MCAS Miramar to talk about their custody issues, but claims Vega instead took her to a room in the Consolidated Bachelor Quarters Building and raped her.
During the alleged assault the victim says Vega took pictures and video of the attack and threatened to release them on the internet if she tried to sue him for child support.
The victim also claims that Vega's current girlfriend, who recently gave birth to Vega's second daughter also threatened her a few days later.
Military investigators say on May 10, they interviewed Vega and he admitted to having sex with his former girlfriend but claimed it was consensual.
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He also admitted to taking sexually explicit pictures and video of that encounter. He provided some of it, but not all.
About two weeks ago, investigators searched Vega's Mira Mesa apartment and collected several items, including a vial full of green leafy material, and a couple of smoking pipes.
They also found a cell phone, a video camera and computer hard drive. Investigators say that's when they located pictures showing the victim in the nude, appearing to try and maneuver away from Vega
They also found a video of the victim talking to Vega saying, "I didn't even want to have sex with you."
Vega has since been put in confinement at MCAS Miramar as investigators continue build a case against him.
A military spokesman says it's unclear exactly when the investigation will be over. But Vega could face charges including rape, sodomy and extortion.
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