Man on trial for sexual assault of elderly woman

A Huntington Beach man began trial today for charges of violently sexually assaulting an 83-year-old woman in Rossmoor, authorities said.

Jeffrey Miller, 38, is accused of four counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object by force, first degree residential burglary, first degree robbery, and sentencing enhancements for committing a sexual assault during the course of a burglary and committing a crime against a vulnerable victim, authorities said.

Miller entered a bathroom window of the victim’s home at 5:50 p.m. July 12, 2006, then beat and sexually assaulted the woman throughout the house before attempting to steal jewelry and other items, police said.

A neighbor witnessed Miller entering the victim’s yard; Miller was arrested by sheriff’s deputies when he attempted to flee.

Miller had a prior conviction for a residential burglary in 2002, and faces 30 years to life if convicted.