Indecent Exposure Investigation NR21234ll

Westlake: The Los Angeles Police Department initiated a criminal investigation into allegations of indecent exposure that were reported to have occurred on June 23, 2021 at a spa in the 2700 block of Wilshire Boulevard.

Five individuals came forward to report the incident to the Los Angeles Police Department. Detectives assigned to Rampart Division conducted interviews of victims and witnesses, reviewed the evidence, and ultimately corroborated the allegations of indecent exposure. During the investigation, the suspect was identified as 52-year-old Darren Merager, currently a resident of Riverside County.

The investigation was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration and Merager’s actions were deemed criminal. On August 30th, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Merager with five felony counts of indecent exposure and an arrest warrant has been issued. The suspect has been a registered sex offender since 2006 as per California Penal Code 290, due to indecent exposure incidents in 2002 and 2003.

Detectives are asking anyone who may be a victim or has additional information regarding this investigation to contact Rampart Detectives at (213) 484-3450. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu. Tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.