A Los Angeles judge has ordered 45-year-old Matthew Werner back to state prison after ruling he violated probation in a case tied to a string of alleged sexual assaults across the city. Werner, a registered sex offender, is now headed back into custody, a turn that has revived calls from alleged victims who say accountability has been a long time coming.
Judge Sends Werner Back to Prison
The court found that Werner committed a third probation violation by traveling out of state without permission and ordered him to serve four years in state prison, with credit for time already served, according to ABC7. That decision follows a 2023 resolution in which Werner accepted probation under a plea agreement, an outcome that left several alleged victims frustrated and angry. One alleged victim, Shira Scott Astrof, told ABC7, "You don't get to violate anyone and just walk free."
Arrest and Investigation
Werner was arrested on Feb. 28, 2023, after investigators linked a series of assaults dating back to 2015 to a man using multiple aliases, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPD said the reported assaults took place in North Hollywood, Mid-City, Hollywood, and Woodland Hills. Officers identified five women who reported being assaulted and said they believe some additional victims have not yet come forward. Detectives reported that Werner allegedly used social media and dating apps to contact and lure his victims.
Charges Filed In 2023
In 2023, prosecutors filed multiple charges that included three counts of sexual assault, including rape, involving two women, and Werner was held on $3 million bail at the time of his arrest, according to FOX 11 Los Angeles. Those charges prompted authorities to make a public plea for additional victims and witnesses, saying they needed more information to understand the full scope of the alleged offenses.
Plea Deal, Registration And Backlash
Werner later accepted a plea deal in 2023, registered as a sex offender, and was placed on probation, an outcome many alleged victims publicly criticized as too light given the allegations, according to ABC7. After Werner violated travel restrictions, prosecutors moved to revoke that probation. Alleged victims told the station they hope his return to custody will send a message and encourage anyone else who was harmed to speak up.
Authorities Ask For More Victims To Come Forward
The LAPD continues to urge anyone who believes they were victimized by Werner or who has information about the case to contact the department’s Operations-West Bureau Special Assault Section at 213-473-0447 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, according to the LAPD release. Investigators say they suspect there are additional unreported assaults and are asking witnesses and potential victims to step forward to help them build out the case.
