Accused Fort Bragg Prowler Pleads Not Guilty, Trial Set for May

Prosecution and defense are continuing plea bargain negotiations

A security camera caught this image of a prowler on South Sanderson Street near Dana Grey elementary. Very similar images of a person in similar clothing outside the home of the alleged rape victim were shown at the preliminary hearing, which also addressed a prowling incident on South Sanderson Street, but this exact image was not shown. The image was provided to Mendo Local after it was published on a private Facebook group.

Cayden Paul Craig appeared in court Thursday and entered a plea of not guilty to charges that he raped a Fort Bragg woman on June 21, 2025, after she mistook him for a friend knocking on her window.

Craig, 23, is charged with three felonies: forcible rape, sexual penetration with a foreign object, and sexual penetration with a foreign object of an intoxicated person. He is also charged with misdemeanor petty theft. A trial is scheduled for May 18.

In an interview, Craig’s attorney, Justin Petersen, said he continues to seek a resolution that would avoid a jury trial.

In court, Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey told Judge Victoria Shanahan that the defense and prosecution “are in active negotiations.”

Petersen also informed the judge that Craig has waived his right to a speedy trial. Under the U.S. Constitution, people facing criminal charges have the right to a speedy trial. In California, criminal defendants have the right to a preliminary hearing within 10 days of arraignment and the right to a jury trial within 60 calendar days.

Craig was arrested June 28, 2025. His preliminary hearing was held over several days in September, October, and November.

Craig has admitted entering the home of the alleged victim through the window and having “rough” sex with her. In his defense, Craig has asserted the sex was consensual.

Our previous coverage:

Judge Says Case Against Alleged Fort Bragg Prowler/Rapist Can Proceed to Trial, November 6, 2025