A student at Menlo College is facing charges for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in his dorm room.
Andres Manuel Aguilar, 19, reportedly met the girl during a traffic stop in Menlo Park, where he gave her his phone number. Prosecutors contend he lured her into his room after she agreed to meet him on May 5, despite her telling him she was 17. Aguilar later acknowledged to law enforcement that he was aware she was a minor.
Authorities mentioned that the victim left her home after dark to meet Aguilar.
Apparently, they first visited a Safeway in Redwood City to purchase alcohol before heading back to the campus. Surveillance footage captured them entering Aguilar’s dorm.
Prosecutors allege that Aguilar provided the girl with alcohol and marijuana in the dorm room.
The victim’s mother, who spoke anonymously, shared details of that night with KRON4, saying, “She waited until everyone was asleep and snuck out of the house. They ended up going to college, where she was raped.”
According to court documents, Aguilar is accused of taking off the girl’s pants despite her protests. Out of fear of possible pregnancy, he reportedly ordered emergency contraception through DoorDash.
Aguilar, a resident of San Jose, is being held without bail and faces serious charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a child and providing marijuana to a minor under 14.
San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaff stressed the legal implications are much more severe for victims under 13. “When a child is under 13, society treats it more seriously,” he noted. “There’s never any argument that the child could have consented. When you’re dealing with a 12-year-old, it becomes really serious.”
If found guilty, Aguilar could potentially face life in prison.
His court hearing, initially set for summer, has been moved to August 27. This delay is intended to help police and prosecutors follow up on possible additional victims.
The incident has shaken the Menlo College community, a small, private institution that prides itself on its tight-knit student body.
Authorities are encouraging anyone who might have information to reach out to the Atherton Police Department. The victim’s mother urged, “If you know this man, have had any negative interactions with him, or have been raped by him, please come forward.”
Menlo College, known for its global stature—ranking in the top 8.3% of universities worldwide—hasn’t disclosed specific details about Aguilar’s enrollment, citing privacy laws.
A representative for the college stated, “We take all allegations of criminal activity or misconduct involving our community with the utmost seriousness,” while emphasizing they cannot share details about the ongoing investigation.
This case follows a recent rape inquiry at the University of California, Santa Barbara, which drew significant attention from advocacy groups. Similarly, UCLA has implemented new safety measures after incidents of assaults on campus.
