Man Charged in Huntington Beach Kidnapping and Assault

Trial underway for Long Beach man accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a woman in 2021

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:47pm

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The trial has begun for Florentino Contreras Bacilio, a 52-year-old Long Beach man charged with kidnapping to commit a sex offense and two counts of sexual penetration by foreign object and force. Bacilio is accused of helping abduct a 27-year-old woman off a Huntington Beach street in June 2021 and driving while his co-defendant sexually assaulted her. Bacilio's attorney claims he is guilty of kidnapping but not sexual assault, arguing he was scared and unaware of the full extent of the attack.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of violence against women, particularly in public spaces, and the challenges of prosecuting complex cases involving multiple perpetrators. It also raises questions about the role of bystanders and the legal culpability of those who may not directly commit an assault but are involved in the crime.

The details

According to prosecutors, Bacilio and his co-defendant Angel Lopezevaristo, who worked together at a restaurant, decided to go drinking in Huntington Beach after work on June 6, 2021. They saw the 27-year-old victim arguing with her boyfriend on a street corner, and the two men then abducted her, dragging her into their vehicle as she screamed for help. Prosecutors say Bacilio punched the victim repeatedly in the face while Lopezevaristo sexually assaulted her in the car. The victim was eventually dumped on the side of Pacific Coast Highway, where she was able to flag down a passing motorist for help.

  • The incident occurred on June 6, 2021, just before midnight.
  • Lopezevaristo pleaded guilty to related charges on November 22, 2024 and was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
  • Bacilio's trial began this week on February 6, 2026.

The players

Florentino Contreras Bacilio

A 52-year-old Long Beach man charged with kidnapping to commit a sex offense and two counts of sexual penetration by foreign object and force.

Angel Lopezevaristo

Bacilio's 34-year-old co-defendant who pleaded guilty to kidnapping to commit a sexual assault, forcible rape and sexual penetration by foreign object in 2024 and was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.

Thomas Farnell

The deputy district attorney prosecuting the case against Bacilio.

Annie Rodriguez

The public defender representing Bacilio, who argues he is guilty of kidnapping but not sexual assault.

The Victim

A 27-year-old woman who was abducted and sexually assaulted by the defendants in Huntington Beach in June 2021.

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What they’re saying

“These were two strangers. They didn't know [the victim]. They saw her, wanted her and just took her.”

— Thomas Farnell, Deputy District Attorney (Los Angeles Times)

“She was 'repeatedly punched in the face,' he said. She was 'fighting and screaming while she was being sexually assaulted,' he said. Ultimately, she was 'strangled to the point she passed out,' he said.”

— Thomas Farnell, Deputy District Attorney (Los Angeles Times)

“Mr. Bacilio is guilty, but he's not guilty of kidnapping for a sexual assault. He never put his hands on [the victim] in the car.”

— Annie Rodriguez, Public Defender (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Florentino Contreras Bacilio out on bail during the trial.

The takeaway

This horrific case underscores the ongoing threat of violence against women, even in seemingly safe public spaces, and the complex legal challenges in prosecuting such crimes when multiple perpetrators are involved. It raises important questions about bystander responsibility and the need for stronger protections and support for victims of sexual assault.