Felon Who Tried to Rape Woman in Restaurant Restroom Sentenced

RIVERSIDE (CNS) – A convicted felon who cornered a woman in a restaurant bathroom on the west end of Riverside and attempted to sexually assault her until she broke free was sentenced Tuesday to eight years, four months in state prison. Terrell Dante Adams, 40, an itinerant, pleaded guilty in March to assault with intent to commit rape and false imprisonment, under an agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admissions, prosecutors dropped a sexual battery charge against him. During a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice, Superior Court Judge Jason Armand certified the terms of Adams’ plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense. According to the Riverside Police Department, on the afternoon of March 12, the defendant entered a McDonald’s restaurant near the intersection of Magnolia and Hole avenues and went into the women’s restroom, where a lone patron was using the facilities. Investigators said that when the woman, whose identity was not disclosed, encountered Adams, she immediately tried to exit the restroom, but he blocked her path. A struggle ensued, during which the felon groped and tried to force himself on the victim, who pushed him off and screamed, garnering the attention of other customers and staff, according to police. Adams relented as witnesses gathered, and the victim escaped to safety. She was not injured. One or more individuals inside the eatery called 911, and patrol officers reached the location within a few minutes, taking Adams into custody without incident, police said. According to court records, he has prior convictions for kidnapping and assault with intent to commit rape. Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.