Man facing 47 counts of stalking, raping at least 5 girls in Ariz. pleads guilty in deal

Man accused in Ariz. rapes pleads guilty in deal

PHOENIX — Authorities say an illegal immigrant accused of stalking and raping at least five young girls in Chandler has agreed to a 168-year prison sentence as part of a plea agreement.

Maricopa County prosecutors say 39-year-old Santana Batiz-Aceves of Mexico was charged with 47 counts including child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor, kidnapping, aggravated assault and burglary. Police allege the attacks took place from June 2006 to November 2007.

Chandler police believe that in all but one case, the suspect followed the girls for weeks and targeted single-parent homes.

Batiz-Aceves was arrested in January 2008. He pleaded guilty Monday to 12 counts, including attempted sexual conduct with a minor and molestation and is scheduled to be sentenced April 2.