Los Angeles police recently arrested a 20-year-old homeless man in Venice Beach on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old Menlo Park girl who went missing in January.
According to police, Venice Beach is noted for having a number of young runaway girls. Based on a Mercury News story, this runaway had left home January 6th after a dispute with her parents. She then hopped a train to Los Angeles Union Station. The alleged, an admitted gang member, met the girl and offered her drugs and alcohol. He also threatened to hurt her or kill himself if she left him and proceeded to beat and sexually assault the girl.
On January 30, the girl turned herself in to Culver City police and was sent home to the Bay Area that night. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office indicated that the accused was involved in a 2009 sexual assault case, but prosecutors had not yet charged him of the sex crime in Los Angeles. He is currently being held in lieu of a $175,500 bail.
Sex crimes are among the most vigorously prosecuted and severely punished offenses within the criminal justice system. If you have been accused of a sex crime in Los Angeles, you should contact an experienced Los Angeles sex crime defense attorney. Often times, people accused of such offenses find it helpful to learn about their legal rights before acting in ways that could worsen their situation.
If convicted of a sex crime, you may face incarceration and be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. The skilled California sex crime attorneys at Sitkoff & Hanrahan can help you build an aggressive defense and ensure that your constitutional rights are protected. Contact our offices today at 866-430-8383 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
Source article: http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14392709