Mountain View police are urgently searching for 34-year-old Franklin Enrique Sarceño Orla, a barber accused of sexually assaulting two men and kidnapping one of his own clients. Authorities believe there could be at least 20 more victims and are calling for anyone with information to come forward.
Sarceño Orla, who faces life in prison if convicted, fled the area after posting bail. He was scheduled to appear in court in October but never showed up. His Mountain View apartment now sits empty, with investigators confident he has left the region.
Shocking Allegations and Disturbing Patterns
According to court documents, two victims reported losing consciousness after sharing drinks with Sarceño Orla. Prosecutors believe he used his position as a barber to gain the trust of his victims. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office described a disturbing pattern of assaults that often began in nightlife settings like bars or clubs—or during barbering appointments.
“One victim was unlawfully restrained and sodomized,” said Deputy District Attorney Christopher Paynter. “Another was allegedly kidnapped and carried away after being intoxicated by an anesthetic substance.”
Investigators have obtained video evidence that reportedly depicts multiple assaults, dating as far back as 2018. The footage has led authorities to suspect there could be more victims who were either unconscious or intoxicated during the incidents.
From Arrest to Escape: A Timeline of Events
Sarceño Orla was first arrested in August after the initial allegations surfaced. He posted a $250,000 bond and was released. However, after new accusations emerged, he skipped his court appearance in October. Authorities now believe he has fled the area to avoid facing justice.
A Plea for More Victims to Come Forward
The District Attorney’s office is urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Sarceño Orla to come forward. Investigators stress that the anonymity of victims will be a top priority throughout the legal process.
“If you think you are a potential victim, we encourage you to seek testing for sexually transmitted diseases and contact authorities immediately,” Paynter said.
Victims or those with information can contact Mountain View Police at (650) 903-6618 or reach out via email to Detective Lauren Riffel at [email protected] or Detective Guillermo de Lira at [email protected]. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office can also be reached at (408) 792-1013 or via email at [email protected].
Police Believe There Could Be More Than 20 Victims
As investigators continue to process evidence, the fear of additional victims grows. “We believe there could be at least 20 victims—or possibly more—based on the evidence we’ve gathered so far,” said Paynter.
Authorities are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious encounters or information related to Sarceño Orla.
Do you have information about this case? Help ensure justice is served by contacting the authorities today.
