A 33-year-old Pacoima man is facing a rape-by-force charge after a 23-year-old woman told Los Angeles police she was sexually assaulted while receiving medical treatment in the San Fernando Valley on Jan. 15, authorities said.
Officers identified the suspect as Julius Czar Francisco and arrested him near the 12300 block of Osborne Street in Pacoima. He was booked on a rape-by-force charge and later released after posting bond, according to LAPD officials and a report from CBS Los Angeles. The investigation is being handled by detectives with the LAPD’s Topanga Division.
In a news release issued Monday, police said the woman reported that she had been raped during a medical appointment and that investigators located and arrested Francisco the following day. Authorities have not said whether Francisco worked at the facility where the assault was reported to have occurred, CBS Los Angeles noted.
Topanga detectives are seeking other victims
In the public statement about the arrest, detectives signaled concern that this may not be an isolated case.
"Due to the nature of the assault, detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department's Topanga Division Sexual Assault unit believe there are unreported victims of Francisco," the release states.
Investigators said Francisco was arrested near the 12300 block of Osborne Street in Pacoima and booked on suspicion of rape by force before being released on bond, information that matches details reported by CBS Los Angeles.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have been victimized or who has information about Francisco to call the Topanga Division Sexual Assault unit at (818) 756-3264.
Where victims can get help
Authorities also emphasized that potential victims and their families do not have to navigate the system alone.
Anyone who believes they were harmed or who might have information about this case can contact Topanga detectives at the number above. Survivors can also reach out to local advocacy and victim services agencies for support, including help with reporting, safety planning and navigating the courts.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Bureau of Victim Services offers crisis intervention, counseling referrals and court support; its central line is 1-800-380-3811, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The city’s Crisis Response Team lists additional hotlines and resources for survivors and family members on its online resources page.
Context: assaults during medical visits
Allegations of sexual misconduct in medical settings have surfaced repeatedly across Southern California in recent years, often sparking public outcry when patients come forward.
ABC7 has previously reported on a Riverside physician arrested after multiple patients alleged sexual misconduct during examinations, and other local outlets have covered separate cases in which medical workers were accused of abusing patients while providing care. Those reports, and cases like the one now under investigation in the San Fernando Valley, illustrate why detectives say even small pieces of information from the public can matter.
The LAPD investigation into the San Fernando Valley allegation remains active. Topanga Division detectives say they will continue pursuing tips and following leads as they work to determine whether additional victims exist. Anyone with information is urged to call the Topanga Division tip line or contact the District Attorney’s victim services office for assistance.
