Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman has charged 57-year-old Derrick Dwayne Thompson with the forcible rape and sodomy of a 15-year-old girl, an incident that allegedly took place in the Crenshaw/Leimert Park neighborhood on November 30, 2024, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Thompson, having been arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on January 15, faces serious charges including one felony count each of forcible rape, sodomy by the use of force of a victim 14 or older, and sexual penetration by use of force of a minor over 14.
During his arraignment on January 17, Thompson pleaded not guilty he is now being held without bail at the request of prosecutors and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 31, this sequence of events points to the gravity with which the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is approaching the case. More information on the investigation can be obtained by contacting LAPD’s Juvenile Division or by leaving tips anonymously through the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline or their online platform, as the authorities are actively seeking more potential victims or additional information.
Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson of the office’s Sex Crimes Division is leading the prosecution while the Los Angeles Police Department continues its investigation, as per the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. If convicted of the charges, Derrick Thompson stands to face a maximum sentence of 75 years to life in state prison, as well as lifetime registration as a sex offender.
The charges against Thompson remain allegations until determined otherwise by the judicial process. As with all defendants in the American legal system, he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
