Whitewater Man Pleads Guilty in Attempted Sexual Assault Case

A convicted man accused of trying to sexually assault a woman in Whitewater has pleaded guilty to the charges.

According to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, 55-year-old Bryan Vines Burge admitted to the felony count during a pretrial agreement hearing. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to drop two related charges and an allegation that he used a deadly weapon during the assault.

The incident occurred on August 16, when investigators say Burge entered the Guide Dogs of the Desert compound and encountered a woman on the property. Authorities say he pulled out a knife in front of her, which led to the attempted sexual assault.

The victim suffered unspecified injuries but was able to escape and leave the scene. Officials have not released further details about her condition.

Burge remains in custody without bail at the Benoit Detention Center as he awaits sentencing. Court officials have not yet announced when that hearing will take place.

Prosecutors say the plea agreement ensures accountability while sparing the victim from the stress of a lengthy trial.