An 18-year-old man faces felony charges in connection with the suspected sexual assault and robbery of a woman on a Los Angeles Metro bus, officials announced May 2.
“The brutal attack of a woman on public transportation—where she should have felt safe—is both deplorable and unacceptable,” Hochman said in a statement. “No one in Los Angeles County should have to live in fear while riding a bus, walking down the street, or simply going about their daily lives.”
The incident occurred at about 10:15 p.m. on April 12 near the University of Southern California (USC).
“The suspect began a conversation with the victim before brandishing a knife and demanding money from her,” the LAPD reported on social media. “When the victim did not have any money to give the suspect, he sexually assaulted her.”
Zepeda allegedly fled the bus at a stop near Exposition Park a few blocks away.
Prosecutors charged Zepeda with one count of forcible oral copulation, one count of attempted first-degree robbery of a transit passenger, and one count of sexual battery.
The defendant was arraigned on May 2 and pleaded not guilty. His bail was set at $1.15 million, according to the district attorney’s office.
A preliminary hearing is set for May 15 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
If convicted, Zepeda would be required to provide a DNA sample, be tested for AIDS, and register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, according to the criminal complaint.
Zepeda faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life, plus four years and six months in state prison.
Zepeda was also arrested and booked into county jail on a felony count on Feb. 4 and released 10 hours later on his own recognizance. He did not have to post bail, according to inmate records.
The district attorney’s office declined to provide information about Zepeda’s prior arrest or details about his residency.
Police did not immediately return a request seeking the information.
