A Gilroy insurance agent was arrested Dec. 3 on several sexual assault charges, Gilroy Police reported.
According to police, Jeffrey Guenther, 38, was arrested during a search warrant on the 8300 block of Church Street. Guenther is the owner of South Valley Insurance Services.
He was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on several sexual assault-related charges, police said. The victim is an adult, according to police.
Guenther is being charged with forcible rape, unlawful sex by fraud or fear, and distributing intimate photos with intent to cause emotional distress, according to arrest records.
According to prosecutor O’Bryan Kenney, Guenther is being charged with 36 counts of rape that occurred over a period of a year.
His arraignment hearing was scheduled for Dec. 7, but he was not transported from the jail in time for the court appearance, Kenney said.
His bail was originally set at $10 million, but was changed to no bail at Kenney’s request. However, Guenther’s attorneys filed a bail motion, which was scheduled to be heard in court on Dec. 9.
Guenther is being represented by attorneys Renee Hessling and Chuck Smith.
Calls to South Valley Insurance Services led to voicemail on Dec. 7.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Rocha with Gilroy Police Department at 408.846.0334 and reference case 20-5380.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the Tip Line at 408.846.0330.
