A California man was charged with multiple counts of rape following a Montgomery County Police Department investigation into sexual assaults that occurred in Gaithersburg and Prince George’s County.
Mauricio Martinez-Garcia, 27, currently living in Madera, California, was charged with two counts of first-degree rape, one count of third-degree sexual offense, two counts of kidnapping and five counts of second-degree assault.
The investigation began after the Dec. 18, 2024 rape of an adult female victim who was at a restaurant in the 16100 block of Shady Grove Road. The victim ordered food and consumed a drink at the bar, and while waiting for her order, an unknown male began talking to her and insisted on paying for her tab. The victim allowed him to do so and then went to her table, according to police.
The woman reported she did not finish her food or drink and didn’t feel well. She left the restaurant and attempted to drive home. While driving, she was involved in a single-vehicle collision at the intersection of Sam Eig and Great Seneca Highways.
The woman stated that an unknown male arrived at the location and offered her help. The male, who was later identified as Martinez-Garcia, led her to his car and drove her away from the crash scene against her will. He drove her to his apartment, where he forcibly raped her, according to police.
The suspect later drove the victim to her home, where she was raped again. A police spokesperson said it was part of the investigation as to whether the man in the bar was also the same man suspected of assaulting her.
The victim went to a local hospital on Dec. 20, 2024 and underwent a sexual assault forensic examination.
On Dec. 5, 2025, detectives received a Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) notification. A secondary analysis of evidence resulted in a DNA profile that matched Martinez-Garcia. The known DNA sample had been previously collected during an investigation conducted by the Department of the Army.
On Tuesday, Martinez-Garcia was taken into custody without incident at his residence by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
During the investigation, detectives determined Martinez-Garcia also is connected to a sexual assault that occurred in Los Banos, California. Madera County detectives assisted in linking Martinez-Garcia to that additional case.
Martinez-Garcia is currently being held in Madera County while awaiting extradition to Maryland.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims and encourage anyone with information to contact the Montgomery County Department of Police Special Victims Investigations Division at (240) 773-5400.
