PALMDALE, Calif. — Bail was set at $2 million today for a sex offender parolee charged with attempting to kidnap a 17-year-old girl in Palmdale.
Richard Henry Stine, 39, of Palmdale, is charged with one count each of kidnapping to commit rape, kidnapping to commit robbery and assault with intent to commit rape on a victim under the age of 18, Deputy District Attorney Alisanne Scolnik said.
The criminal complaint alleges that Stine has two prior felony convictions for forcible rape and kidnapping in 1999.
Stine appeared for arraignment today in an Antelope Valley courtroom, but the hearing was postponed until Aug. 20.
Stine allegedly approached the victim around 8 a.m. Friday as she walked near 30th Street East and Palmdale Avenue. She alleged that Stine ordered her to keep walking or he would shoot her.
A good Samaritan called 911 after noticing the girl waving her arms in an attempt to gain attention before she was forced behind a church and out of view.
Deputies responded, foiling the attempted abduction and rape. Stine, on active parole and wearing an ankle monitor, surrendered immediately, authorities said.
If convicted as charged, Stine faces up to life in prison with the possibility of parole, Scolnik said.
