US man could face 300 years in jail for sexual assaults

A man living in California, charged with sexually assaulting at least four children including a five-year-old, could face 300 years in prison, a report said on Wednesday.

According to the NBC Los Angeles report, Gilbert Andrew Chavarria broke into homes and sexually assaulted children in the cities of Escondido and San Marcos, located about 140 km south of Los Angeles, in June and July of 2013, Xinhua news agency reports.

The 29-year-old, nicknamed "the Creeper", cut to pieces the victims' pajamas during the assaults, suspect police.

Chavarria, working at an auto shop, on Monday pleaded not guilty to 22 charges including burglary, assault, lewd acts with a child and possession of child pornography.

Police have not yet determined the exact number of victims and are asking for public help in finding other sufferers, the report said.

Chavarria could face 300 years in prison if convicted.

--IANS

amit/mr