Chico man sentenced to two years in prison for assault with intent to rape in Bidwell Park

A Chico man who admitted attacking a woman in Upper Bidwell Park has been sentenced to two years in state prison. Prosecutors had asked for six years.

Kabongo Moses Dingao, 20, was sentenced Wednesday, October 28th, 2026, by Butte County Superior Court Judge Michael Deems. Dingao pleaded guilty in September to felony assault with intent to commit rape.

At sentencing, the 44 year old woman described how the attack took away the sense of peace she had long found in the park.

Prosecutors argued that Dingao watched the woman before attacking, physically restrained her and tried to carry her farther into the canyon to avoid detection and make escape more difficult.

His public defender supported the Probation Department’s recommendation of two years, citing his youth and lack of known prior convictions. The judge imposed that lower term.

The attack happened shortly after 11 a.m. on June 9th, 2026. According to investigators, the woman was sunbathing alone when Dingao approached and began talking with her. The conversation became sexual, and he grabbed her after she repeatedly rejected his advances.

The woman told investigators he picked her up and carried her toward a remote area, then stumbled and put her down. He continued holding her wrists.

She eventually persuaded him to walk toward the main path, broke away and called 911.

A recording she secretly made on her cellphone captured part of the encounter, including a clear image of his face. Chico Police detectives used it to identify Dingao and obtain an arrest warrant.

Officers arrested him two days later. Investigators also searched his apartment, where they found clothing matching what appeared in the woman’s recording.