A man who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women in Ocean Beach was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison Thursday.
Richard Christopher Butts, 26, was arrested in March 2013 for kidnapping, beating and raping a woman as she walked along Long Branch Avenue.
More charges were filed against him when a second victim came forward, saying he had attacked her in Aug. 2012 near Bacon and Voltaire streets.
According to prosecutors, Butts’ method of attack was similar in both incidents. He came up behind the victims and pulled their sweatshirts over their heads and eyes so they couldn’t see him. He then dragged them to secluded areas and sexually assaulted them.
Both crimes were interrupted by neighbors who called 911, and Butts was arrested after running from the scene of the March attack.
Last month, Butts pleaded guilty to one count of oral copulation with a kidnapping allegation and one count of forcible rape with a multiple victim allegation.
Deputy District Attorney Wendy Patrick told NBC 7 she credits the bravery of the two young women and neighbors for securing the 30-year sentence.
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She said the community effort led to this verdict outcome.
