Southern California

Woodland Hills Man Gets Maximum Sentence for Sexual Assaults on Hikers and Sleeping Women

The five attacks took place in the victims’ homes or in parks. Prosecutors express thanks to the ‘brave women who faced [the defendant] in court.’
Woodland Hills Man Gets Maximum Sentence for Sexual Assaults on Hikers and Sleeping Women
A Ventura County jury convicted Edgar Rodriguez Ruelas, of Woodland Hills, California, May 2, 2024, for sexually assaulting five females. Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
Jill McLaughlin
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A Woodland Hills, California, man was sentenced to 32 years to life plus 21 years in state prison June 5—the maximum sentence allowed by law—after he was convicted of assaulting five women in their homes and on hiking trails.

Edgar Rodriguez Ruelas, 42, was found guilty May 2 of five felony counts related to the assaults that occurred between June 2017 and March 2020, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.