Probationer charged with sexual battery, burglary, elder abuse
A probationer accused of sexually assaulting a married couple, who were targeted while asleep in their bed in their Palm Springs home, was charged Monday with sexual battery, burglary and elder abuse charges.
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Thomas Dean Mabe, 44, of Palm Springs, is accused of breaking a window to gain entry to the victims’ home in the 2700 block of East Mesquite Avenue and physically and sexually assaulting the sleeping couple.
He pleaded not guilty this afternoon to charges of burglary and oral copulation with an unconscious victim, along with two counts each of sexual battery, assault with intent to commit rape and elder abuse, along with failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces sentence-enhancing allegations for two prior felony convictions, one for a 2004 San Bernardino County arson and one for a 2014 drug possession arrest.
Mabe allegedly assaulted the couple, whose names were withheld, about 3:30 a.m. last Thursday, said Palm Springs Sgt. William Hutchinson. The husband and wife eventually were able to get Mabe into the living room, where his wife called 911, he said.
Mabe allegedly lunged at the woman, trying to grab the phone from her, but was pinned down by the husband until police arrived, the sergeant said.
The many booking photos of Thomas Mabe
Mabe allegedly committed the sexual assault one month after being released on probation for trying to grab a teenage girl, according to police. Court records show he was placed on three years probation on March 19. Police said he was also arrested April 17 on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance, and released the following day.
Mabe was sentenced to 36 months probation in January for trespassing. He also has prior misdemeanor convictions for domestic violence, battery and possession of a controlled substance, court records show. He is due back in court May 4 for a felony settlement conference.
