Sexual Assault Suspect In Custody

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 23, 2011
Contact: Richard Lewis, Sergeant
Phone: 310.458.8462
e-mail: richard.lewis@smgov.net 

On April 21, 2011, a victim reported that she had been sexually assaulted by a massage therapist at “The Massage Company” located at 201 Wilshire Boulevard.  The victim alleged that the suspect, a licensed massage technician put his hands down the victim’s underpants during the massage and digitally penetrated the victim against her will.  The victim immediately fled the location and reported the incident to the Santa Monica Police Department.  Detectives located the suspect, Jesse Tovar male Hispanic 22 years-old resident of West Los Angeles, on April 22, 2011 and took him into custody for violating section 289(a) of the California Penal Code, unlawful sexual penetration.

Given the possibility that this crime was not a singular event, the Santa Monica Police Department is asking anyone else who may have been victimized by Tovar to immediately report it to the Santa Monica Police Department.  Anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Duane Hicks at (310) 458-8983, Sergeant Darrick Jacob at (310) 458-8460, or the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at (310) 458-8495.  Sexual assault victim’s identities are protected by law and are confidential.