A rapist accused of trying to abduct two people in two days was in court Monday.
Leonard Earl Scroggins, 32, who is listed on the Megan’s Law website as a Napa resident who has served time for rape, was arrested in National City last week. He was picked up Wednesday after a 13-year-girl said she fought off a kidnap attempt in National City on 16th Street near Q Avenue earlier in the day.
In court Monday, Scroggins pleaded not guilty to six counts, including two charges of kidnapping, as well as charges of lewd conduct with a child and two charges of attempted robbery. Wearing a blue jumpsuit and manacles, Scroggins was expressionless in court and silent other than to enter his plea and to say that he understood his rights.
Deputy District Attorney Enrique Camarena said Scroggins faces 150 years to life, plus 16 years, if he is convicted on all counts. While bail was set at $2 million, it was waived due to the fact that Scroggins is being held on a parole violation. He waived his right on Monday to a preliminary hearing and is due back in court on Aug. 9.
Last Thursday, Chula Vista police said they believed Scroggins was responsible for a pair of incidents on Tuesday in that South Bay city. The first incident took place at about 9 p.m. in the 500 block of Oxford Street when man approached a 17-year-old girl and demanded money. A second, much more serious incident occurred less than an hour later in the 500 block of Anita Street, about a half mile away from where the incident took place on Oxford. Police said Scroggins walked up and grabbed a woman and tried to pull her into his vehicle. The victim fought Scroggins off, however, and she was able to break free but was stabbed in the arm during the attack. The woman was taken to UCSD Medical Center.
Detective who interviewed Scroggins after his arrest said he confessed to his role in the Chula Vista crimes.
Scroggins was arrested Wednesday night at Kimball Park after a short pursuit. Police said Scroggins had removed a GPS tracking device from his ankle Tuesday night.
He is also suspected of stealing a woman's purse earlier on Wednesday, according to investigators, who said the woman got Scroggins' license plate number as he fled. The National City teen reported the attack less than two hours later.
Scroggins faces robbery charges for the purse snatching and attempted kidnapping charges for his attack on the 13-year-old. After being connected with the new cases, additional charges of attempted kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon and attempted robbery may now be filed, officials said Thursday.
