Teen Expected to Face Charges in Rape Case

An 18-year-old man was expected to be arraigned tomorrow on charges of raping a clerk at an El Monte convenience store.

Joseph Leo Amaya is charged with two counts of forcible rape and three counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object. The charges include an allegation that he kidnapped the victim, a 19-year-old college student, to commit those crimes.

Amaya allegedly approached the victim as she was working the night shift at the Peck Mini Mart at 4164 N. Peck Road. He left the store, but allegedly returned when the clerk was getting ready to close up.

As she tried to lock the doors, Amaya forced his way back in, barricaded the entrance and dragged the young woman to the back of the store, where he repeatedly sexually assaulted her, prosecutors allege.

Public tips and investigation by the U.S. Marshal's Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force and county Sheriff's and Probation departments led to Amaya's arrest in West Covina on Saturday.

Police say he is a gang member with the initials of his gang tatooed on his right arm.

Amaya was jailed in lieu of $5 million bail. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of 125 years to life in state prison.

-- City News Service