P. v. Bauer
On April 24, 2009, seven-year-old Joel H. was in the bathroom of a McDonald's fast food restaurant. When Joel came out of the restroom, Michael Raymond Bauer followed and gave Joel some paper towels. Joel told his mother Bauer was "crazy" and had touched Joel. Bauer quickly left the establishment. Joel's mother immediately reported the incident to trolley security officers. In an interview after the event, Joel reported that Bauer helped him wash his hands, then pushed him against the wall and put his hands down Joel's pants, and touched Joel's penis.
In a felony complaint filed by the District Attorney of San Diego County on July 13, 2009, Bauer was charged with one count of violating Penal Code[1] section 288, subdivision (a). On March 19, 2010, an information was filed (case No. CS230471).
On December 17, 2009, Bauer initialed and signed an acknowledgement of constitutional rights for those intending to represent themselves. The form, required pursuant to People v. Lopez (1977) 71 Cal.App.3d 568, sets forth the waiver of rights occurring on a plea of guilty or no contest.
On December 21, 2010, pursuant to a plea agreement in which he represented himself, Bauer entered a plea of guilty to the charged offense. He was placed on five years' formal probation with certain conditions, including not associating with minors, nor being in places where minors congregate unless with an adult approved by the probation officer. Bauer received credit for time served and was required to register as a sex offender pursuant to section 290.
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