6 years after fleeing teen-rape charges, 44-year-old denies guilt

A 44-year-old man accused of raping his girlfriend’s teenage relative, then fleeing to Texas for six years, was arraigned Friday on felony charges.

Anthony Allen Tealer pleaded not guilty to one count each of forcible rape and committing lewd acts on a child. He also faces sentence-enhancing allegations for a prior strike conviction for assault with a deadly weapon in San Diego County in 2003 and failing to remain free from custody for five years.

Tealer was living with his girlfriend in Brea when he allegedly raped the 14-year-old victim in February 2009. The crimes allegedly occurred in a bedroom in his residence while his girlfriend and another relative were home.

Tealer fled to Killeen, Texas, after the girl told a relative what allegedly happened. He was arrested in Texas on Aug. 21 and brought back to Orange County to face charges.

Tealer, who’s being held in lieu of $250,000 bail, could face up to 21 years in prison if convicted.

— City News Service