Visalia man convicted of kidnap, rape of disabled woman

A Visalia man was found guilty Thursday for raping a disabled woman outside a Walmart on Mooney Boulevard in June 2015, said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward.

After a four-day trial, a Tulare County jury found William Bickford, 51, guilty of one violent felony count of sexual penetration by force, fear or threats, one violent felony count of kidnapping to commit rape, one felony count of sexual penetration of a disabled person, one felony count of sexual battery by restraint, one serious felony count of rape of a disabled woman and one count of misdemeanor sexual battery. He was also found guilty of the special allegation that he committed aggravated kidnap during the acts, Ward said.

Bickford approached the woman inside the store on June 9, 2015, Ward said, and convinced her to follow him outside to a loading area behind the store.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 19. Bickford faces 50 years to life in prison.

This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 7:24 PM with the headline "Visalia man convicted of kidnap, rape of disabled woman."