CA: Novato man charged with molesting girl, 13

Novato man charged with molesting girl, 13
Gary Klien
Posted: 12/01/2009 06:42:27 PM PST

A 23-year-old Novato man could face up to 16 years in prison under child molestation charges filed Tuesday by the district attorney's office.

Gabriel Alfonso Gil-Tzun was charged with lewd and lascivious acts on a 13-year-old girl and committing three or more acts of substantial sexual conduct with the girl, said Deputy District Attorney Murat Ozgur.

The investigation began early this year, when police developed information that Gil-Tzun had been dating the girl for several months after meeting her through mutual friends, said Novato police Lt. Rich Hill.

Gil-Tzun and the victim engaged in sexual intercourse at the man's residence, Hill said.

Novato police were unable to locate Gil-Tzun at the time, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Last Wednesday, an off-duty officer spotted Gil-Tzun at the Northgate mall in Terra Linda and recognized him as the suspect. San Rafael police were called in to make the arrest.

Gil-Tzun was booked into the county jail with bail set at $50,000. He is also being detained on a no-bail federal immigration hold pending further investigation into his citizenship status.

A plea hearing is pending.

http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_13903788