A former vice detective from Los Angeles, Michael Douglas Brambles, 77, has been charged with kidnapping to commit robbery and using a firearm during an alleged robbery and sexual assault. This arrest follows his parole in 2020, after being sentenced to 102 years in prison three decades ago for multiple rapes.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office reported that Brambles is also facing aggravating circumstances. These include the crime involving great violence, the victim being particularly vulnerable, and the crime being carried out with planning and sophistication. It further indicated that Brambles poses a serious danger to society.
The incident reportedly occurred at Arabella’s Boutique in Thousand Oaks, California. Brambles allegedly entered the store while a woman, identified as SW, was closing. After pointing a handgun at her, he forced her into the backroom, tied her hands, and sexually assaulted her. He is also accused of stealing from the business before fleeing. However, the statute of limitations prevents charging him for the sexual assault allegations.
Brambles was previously identified as a suspect shortly after the crime. Despite being prosecuted for numerous robberies and sexual assaults, the case involving SW was dismissed as Brambles faced a 102-year sentence. However, a California law allowed him to apply for parole in 2020.
At his parole hearing, Brambles denied committing any sexual assaults beyond those he was convicted for in Los Angeles County. However, while examining SW’s cold case under the federal Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, authorities became aware of his parole status, leading to his re-arrest. He is currently held in Ventura County on $2 million bail.
SW expressed shock upon learning of Brambles’ parole. She stated, “The justice that I and his other victims deserved was denied when he was only required to serve a fraction of the sentence he earned.” She welcomed the opportunity to seek justice again.
If convicted, Brambles could face a maximum sentence of 12 years to life. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko praised SW’s determination, stating, “Without her courage, bravery, and resolve to once again face the person who allegedly attacked her, we would not be here today.” He affirmed their commitment to holding Brambles accountable for the violent accusations from 32 years ago.