Man convicted in UTC attempted rape sentenced

San Diego (KUSI) – A San Diego man who tried to rape a young woman near the Westfield UTC mall is scheduled to be sentenced today in a downtown courtroom.

Adam Espinoza Moore, 23, was convicted of accosting and trying to rape a woman who was leaving the mall in a trial earlier this year which alleged assault, kidnapping, sexual battery and other counts as a result of the incident that occurred in the 4300 block of La Jolla Village Drive on Aug.30 2014.

The 21-year-old victim was leaving the mall shortly before 8:30 p.m. when Moore grabbed her from behind, covered her mouth and dragged her into a nearby patch of bushes. The woman reportedly bit his hand and screamed, which then drew the attention of a nearby pedestrian, San Diego police Lt. Sandra Rapalee-Albreksten said.

When the witness rushed over, the assailant ran off. Moore was arrested a few weeks later.