Berkeley Man Arrested for Kidnapping, Sexual Assault

Suspect allegedly brought victim from Oakland to Berkeley home before police intervened.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:13am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged door handle, capturing the gritty, investigative nature of this crime incident without depicting any violence or victims.A recent wave of targeted break-ins and assaults exposes the vulnerability of some community members and the need for greater vigilance.Oakland Today

Berkeley police arrested a 40-year-old man, Jorge Molina Rodriguez, early Monday morning after he allegedly kidnapped a woman in Oakland and sexually assaulted her in a Berkeley home. The victim, a woman in her 50s from Oakland, said she was not there willingly when police found her with Molina inside the home. Molina was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and rape and is being held on $200,000 bail.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about vulnerable individuals being targeted and exploited in the community. Neighbors had previously reported suspicions about Molina's relationship with a local elderly woman, but no action was taken until the latest alleged crime occurred.

The details

According to police, just before 2:45 a.m. on Monday, a young woman called 911 to report an intruder in her rental home on McKinley Avenue in Berkeley. Officers found Molina still inside the home with the Oakland woman, who said she had also been sexually assaulted in Oakland prior to the Berkeley incident. Molina was arrested at 3:45 a.m. on suspicion of kidnapping and rape.

  • Just before 2:45 a.m. on Monday, a young woman called 911 to report an intruder in her home.
  • Officers found Molina and the victim inside the home around 3 a.m.
  • Molina was arrested at 3:45 a.m.

The players

Jorge Molina Rodriguez

A 40-year-old man from Hayward who was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and rape.

The Victim

A woman in her 50s from Oakland who said she was not at the Berkeley home willingly and had also been sexually assaulted in Oakland prior to the incident.

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What they’re saying

“This is a tight neighborhood where everybody knows everybody. We look out for each other. This is just a shock to everyone.”

— A Neighbor

What’s next

Molina is set for arraignment on Thursday at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse in Oakland. Police are continuing to investigate the incident and gather evidence from the Berkeley home.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater awareness and action around potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals in the community. Despite previous concerns raised by neighbors, the alleged victim was unable to get the help she needed until this latest incident occurred, underscoring the importance of robust social services and community vigilance.