LAPD Officer Arrested for Sexual Assault

May 8, 2002

"LAPD Officer Arrested for Sexual Assault"
 

Los Angeles: On January 30, 2002, LAPD Internal Affairs Group investigators responded to a report by a female who alleged she had been sexually assaulted by a person she believed to be an on duty Los Angeles Police Officer. An immediate investigation was under taken in an effort to identify the involved officer.
By April 16, 2002, the Department had developed sufficient credible information to suspect that the officer who allegedly committed the sexual assault on January 30 was Police Officer II Joseph Evan Robinson, Serial No. 35237, assigned to 77th Street Community Police Station. Robinson is 26 years old and was appointed to the Department on February 16, 1999.
Officer Robinson was relieved of his regular duties and reassigned to his home, with pay, pending additional investigation. His LAPD badge, identification, and service pistol were taken from him at that time.
On April 21, 2002, the Department interviewed a second female who alleged she was sexually assaulted by an on-duty LAPD officer sometime in late March. Subsequent investigation implicates Robinson in that crime.
During the course of this investigation, the Department initiated and maintained surveillance of Robinson’s activities while he was assigned to home.
On May 7, 2002, Robinson was observed to drive his personal vehicle to the City of Los Angeles where he engaged in activity that supports the allegations made by the two female assault victims. Robinson was taken into custody without incident, and has been booked at the LA County Men’s Jail for Ca. Penal Code Section 261 (2), rape by force or fear. At the time of his arrest, Robinson had a loaded pistol in his personal vehicle. His bail has been set at $1,000,000. The case will be formally presented to the DA for filing consideration on May 9.
Throughout this investigation, the Department has been working in partnership with Deputy District Attorneys from the Justice System Integrity Division.
The Board of Police Commissioners has been briefed on the details of this case and the circumstances of Robinson’s arrest.
This is an ongoing sexual assault investigation. The Department is intent on developing information in an effort to identify other victims. Anyone having information regarding this case should contact LAPD Internal Affairs Group, Special Operations Section, at 213-485-4152, or the Department Command Post at 213-485-2504. A photo of Officer Robinson will be available for photographing at LAPD Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.