On March, 18 we reported of the mistrial of Ismael Gaspar, a Lyft driver accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at a Palm Desert resort. In an update, on April, 1, Ismael Gaspar of Cathedral City pleaded guilty to one count each of burglary and committing lewd acts with a child under 14 years old, and two counts each of oral copulation of a minor under 14 years old and providing a minor with a controlled substance. With his sentencing scheduled for May 13, Mr. Gaspar faces a maximum sentence of 16 years in state prison.
On March 26, 2018, Gaspar was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting the 13 year old girl just days earlier at the Marriott Shadow Ridge Resort in Palm Desert. According to a trial brief, Gaspar met the teen two days before the alleged assault when he picked her up for a Lyft ride. During that ride, the two allegedly smoked methamphetamine before exchanging contact information. According to the prosecution, it was at this point the defendant told Gaspar her true age.
They two allegedly met up again on March 20, 2018, and according to the trial brief, Gaspar brought the girl roses and the two smoked marijuana before they went to the Shadow Ridge Resort. It was at this point that the defendant allegedly broke into the gym of the resort and sexually assaulted the girl inside.