Sexual Assault Suspect Captured NR17360dm

Los Angeles/Panorama City: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division are investigating the sexual assaults of four victims. On November 30, 2017, around 3:00 p.m., Pablo Cesar Cartagena was arrested at his home. He is the step father to three of the victims and the fourth victim is a family friend from church.

In 2005, the first victim was between six and twelve years old. Cartagena sexually assaulted her numerous times, within a 1 ½ year period, when no one was home.

In 2008 and 2009, Cartagena violently sexually assaulted a teenage victim, on two separate occasions, while she took a shower. No other people were in the residence.

From 2008 through 2009, Cartagena entered the bedroom of a developmentally disabled child. He locked the bedroom door and violently sexually assaulted her.

The fourth victim, who was ten years old at the time, was sexually assaulted by Cartagena in conjunction with a church function.

From 2007-2012, Cartagena taught as a youth minister/youth counselor at a church in the 8700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard in Panorama City.

Detectives have provided a photo of Pablo Cesar Cartagena in case there may be additional victims of unreported incidents and are asking for the public’s assistance in locating them.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone who recognizes the suspect and has information regarding this case is urged to call LAPD’s Juvenile Division, Abused Child Section. Please contact Officer Kershner Gilder (213) 486-0567, Detective Garcia (213) 486-0570, Detective Ramirez (213) 486-0599 or Valley Bureau Abused Child Section at (818) 374-5415. During non-business hours or on weekends, please contact 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 ww.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.