A Studio City man faces multiple felony sexual assault charges following his arrest earlier this month. Reef Mordente, 19, stands accused of perpetrating sexual assaults at a wedding-themed fraternity party in Isla Vista. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office ramped up its investigation after an initial report of an assault at an event in the 6500 block of Cordoba Road, as reported by KTLA.
Authorities say Mordente turned himself in to the Los Angeles Police Department on August 9, where he was arrested on suspicion of rape of an intoxicated victim, forced oral copulation, and digital penetration. He was later released on $100,000 bail. Detectives unearthed conversations that suggest the accused described his actions with phrases like "scoring" and "conquering," according to KTLA.
There's an ongoing search for witnesses who have not yet stepped forward. In a statement made by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, they have called on anyone with information to contact Detective Ellis at 805-681-4150. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through their website or by calling 805-681-4171.
STESA, in coordination with the Sheriff's Office, offers services that include a confidential 24-Hour hotline at 805-564-3696, legal and medical advocacy, and counseling.
