Dance Instructor Arrested for Multiple Sexual Assaults

UPDATE
Alex DaSilva Arrested for Eight Felony Sexual Assaults

On August 17, 2009, LAPD Van Nuys Division sexual assault detectives concluded their current multiple-victim, sexual-assault investigation of Alex DaSilva.  Up to this point, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Sex Crime Unit has filed eight felony sexual assault counts with the special allegation that DaSilva committed the assaults against multiple victims.  Consquently, a felony warrant was issued for his arrest, and bail has been set at $6.2 million.

Today at 7 a.m., detectives from LAPD’s Fugitive Warrant Section served the arrest warrant on DaSilva at his home, and he was taken to the Department’s Van Nuys jail facility where he was booked.

The LAPD would also like to thank the news media for their help and cooperation during this investigation.  Due to their efforts, several additional victims came forward and helped solidify the Department’s case.  The detectives were also contacted by several additional females who were possible victims, but for personal reasons they wouldn’t register formal complaints.  Again, detectives would like to encourage those possible victims and any others who may have been assaulted by DaSilva to please contact them as soon as possible at 818-374-1926 or 818-374-1951.

Los Angeles:  A well known Salsa dancer, instructor, choreographer and TV performer was arrested for multiple sexual assaults.

On April 4, 2009 at 3:40 p.m., Van Nuys Sexual Assault Detectives arrested 41-year-old Alex DaSilva for 4 sexual assaults that allegedly occurred between May 2003 to March 28, 2009.  

The four victims in this case were all students of DaSilva at the time of the assaults.  The victims alleged that he lured them to his homes in North Hollywood and Van Nuys.  He then used a ruse to get them into his bedroom where he raped them.

DaSilva won the World Salsa Dancing Championships in 2002 and 2007 and currently teaches at the Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood and the Mayan Club in downtown Los Angeles.  DaSilva also choreographs and performs for the television show "So You Think You Can Dance."  

A photograph of DaSilva is being made public due the belief that there may be other victims.

DaSilva’s bail has been set at $3.8 million dollars.

If you or someone you know was assaulted by DaSilva, call Van Nuys Sexual Assault Detectives at 818-374-1926.  During after-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.