Christopher Michael Nelson, 49, appeared in court this week facing a felony charge of rape with the use of drugs, according to Kern County Superior Court records. Investigators allege Nelson lured a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old to a hotel room in Bakersfield, gave methamphetamine to the 14-year-old, and sexually assaulted her over several hours. He is also accused of groping and assaulting the 15-year-old, who tried to escape.
Court records indicate Nelson was on probation or parole at the time of the alleged assault. He now faces enhanced penalties for being deemed a “serious danger to society.”
Nelson has a long criminal history. He previously faced multiple felony rape charges, including a 2018 case dismissed due to lack of witnesses and a 2001 case dismissed with intent to refile. He also has open cases involving felony burglary, assault, and DUI.
During Wednesday’s arraignment, prosecutors requested no bail, though the motion had not been formally filed. Judge Rober Thurman Owen set bail at $3.2 million, and a protective order was issued.
Nelson is scheduled to return to court on December 12 for a pre-preliminary hearing.
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