Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, Mayor Jerry Dyer, survivor Mirna Garcia, and other officials will join local and state leaders in a news conference on Friday to oppose parole for convicted serial rapist Rudolph Martin Acosta, officials announced.

Rudolph Martin Acosta

Acosta, now 59, was sentenced to 78 years in state prison after sexually assaulting at least nine women in Fresno’s Tower District in 1991.

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The victims ranged in age from 16 to 30, and Acosta used weapons to threaten them during the attacks.

Acosta has been in the Avenal State Prison since 1992.

His next parole hearing is scheduled for June 6 at the prison. The Fresno City Council voted 6-0 in April to oppose his release.

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Despite the violent nature of the crimes, Acosta is eligible for parole under California’s “youthful offender” law, which allows parole consideration for individuals who were 25 or younger at the time of their offenses.

The news conference aims to raise public awareness and rally support against Acosta’s potential release, the Fresno County District Attorney’s office said.

Officials urge the public to submit letters opposing Acosta’s release to the state Parole Board at BPH.CorrespondenceUnit@cdcr.ca.gov. Letters must be received at least 15 days prior to the hearing.

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