DCFS Social Worker Arrested for Sexual Assault NR10563mg

December 1, 2010

Los Angeles: A Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) social worker was arrested today on felony sexual battery charges stemming from allegations he had sexually assaulted a woman during a home visit in Woodland Hills on September 17, 2010.

The 30-year-old victim claimed the suspect, 53-year-old Yadullah "Eddie" Lorghaba, forced her to submit to unwanted sexual advances after threatening to remove her children from her home.  After the assault, the suspect told her he would not be removing her children that day; however, he would be returning the following week for another follow-up visit.

The victim immediately reported the assault to DCFS and law enforcement.  DCFS supervisors immediately removed Lorghaba from the field and placed him on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.  The district attorney’s office filed charges after forensic analysis of crime scene evidence, DNA, confirmed the victim’s allegations.

Lorghaba has been employed with DCFS for 13 years.  LAPD Detectives are trying to determine whether this is an isolated incident and are requesting any other person who may have been victimized by Lorghaba to come forward.  

Lorghaba was released on $75,000 bail.  His next court date is January 5, 2010, at Van Nuys Court to set a date for the preliminary hearing.

Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to call Topanga Area Detective Stewart at 818-756-3375.  After-hours or on weekends, 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.