An 18-year-old man pleaded not guilty to sex crime charges, including an attempted armed robbery that unfolded on a Los Angeles Metro bus last month. The suspect, Edgar Javier Zepeda, allegedly assaulted a 33-year-old woman while wielding a knife on April 12, as per CBS News Los Angeles. The incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. near Sunset Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, in the vicinity of the University of Southern California.
At the arraignment, Zepeda faced charges including forcible oral copulation and sexual battery. Moreover, Zepeda has been accused of using a deadly weapon during the commission of these crimes. After a bail hearing, the court set his bail at $1.15 million, according to the office of District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. A preliminary hearing is set for May 15 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Hochman condemned the attack, stating, "The brutal attack of a woman on public transportation — where she should have felt safe — is both deplorable and unacceptable. 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.”
If convicted as charged, Zepeda could face a sentence of 15 years to life plus an additional four years and six months in state prison, and he would be required to register as a sex offender for life. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Marlene Martinez of the Sex Crimes Division and is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Southwest Division. The LAPD has appealed to the public for any additional information regarding the case, urging individuals to contact them at 323-390-2976 or anonymously through the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-8477.
