Rape Suspects Charges On Hold

Monday, October 16, 2006

10/13/2006 -- Porterville police told Action News that their investigation today lead them to conduct interviews in and outside the city of Porterville. At the end of the day, however, police say they still need more information to charge the suspects in the rape and kidnap of two women.

Beinto Munoz and Robert Gracia remain in custody tonight. But, not on kidnapping, rape or conspiracy charges.

Gracia is in custody for check fraud and an unspecified felony. Munoz remains behind bars for domestic violence and DUI charges.

Police insist the delay in filing rape and kidnap charges, doesn't mean they doubt the victims' claims of being locked up and raped repeatedly for two days.

The District Attorney's office says they need more facts and information from Porterville Police to try the case.

Sarah Bratch, D.A. Supervisor, said, "There were some follow ups that needed to be done, interviews to be conducted parties of interest that needed to be contacted so everyone was in agreement that those steps needed to be taken in order for us to sit down and critically review the facts and evidence in this case."

Porterville Police say they are making progress in their investigation. But, no new suspects have been named and no one else has been arrested. Captain Eric Kroutil, Porterville PD, said, "The investigation is continuing; they are actively pursuing it. Last night and this morning they came up with some information that caused them to pursue this case."

Porterville Police say this has been a difficult week for them between this kidnap investigation and last night's homicide of a mother, allegedly at the hands of her own son. They say this is definitely not normal for a town of their size.

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