South Bay authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a Mountain View barber who skipped bail on criminal charges alleging he was a serial sexual predator who preyed on men and likely drugged many of his victims.
Franklin Enrique Sarceno Orla, 34, was charged with two felony counts of sexual assault on August 21 and released from jail after posting $250,000 bail, according to court records and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
Sarceno Orla’s last scheduled court appearance was on October 29, and authorities say he has fled the area. He could face life in prison if convicted of the current charges against him.
“There was a sexual predator in our community,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen stated. “With the help of courageous victims, investigators and the public we will soon have him in custody to keep him from ever hurting anyone again.”
According to prosecutors and Mountain View police, Sarceno Orla drew the attention of law enforcement after a man reported waking up injured and woozy after drinking with the defendant in July.
Investigators later used forensic testing to confirm that the man had been sexually assaulted. Another man told police that he had lost consciousness while drinking beer with Sarceno Orla, whom he recognized as his barber.
According to authorities, at least one of the reported victims in the charged crimes was transported to another location while unconscious, implying that Sarceno Orla may also face kidnapping charges.
Police also claim that an examination of Sarceno Orla’s electronic devices during the criminal investigation revealed evidence indicating that he assaulted at least 20 men dating back to 2018 and recorded video of some of the incidents.
Authorities are encouraging potential victims to come forward to police, emphasizing that their identities will be kept anonymous in the public record.
“The men appeared to be unconscious and/or intoxicated during the assaults,” the district attorney’s office stated in a press release. “Police are currently in the process of identifying these victims and perhaps others.”
