DA Files Additional Charges Against Accused Sex Offender

Santa Barbara County Senior Deputy District Attorney Joyce Dudley filed two additional charges Friday against Bruce Nelson, who has already pled not guilty to five charges of sexual assault. Nelson, 55, is a former staff member at Solutions Rehabilitation Center, a center for patients suffering from brain injuries and disabilities, and the location where the alleged misconduct took place.

The first five counts are filed with regard to Nelson’s alleged interactions with 22-year-old Jane Doe One, while the two new charges are with regard to another victim, Jane Doe Two. Last week, Jane Doe Two, a 42-year-old woman, also filed a civil lawsuit against the center and Nelson, who was an assistant boy’s basketball coach at Santa Barbara High last year.

Two enhancements of burglary have also been filed. Burglary, Dudley explained, is when a home or commercial establishment entered with the intention of acting to commit a felony, which the victims allege Nelson did.

A hearing on September 26 will be held in front of Judge Joseph Lodge, who will decide whether to accept the amended complaint. Dudley is also seeking a bail raise from $500,000 to $1 million.