Sexual Assault Suspect in Custody After 10 year Man Hunt by LAPD NA17122ti

WHAT: News Availability

WHEN: July 6, 2017 9:00 a.m., to 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: West Valley Area Community Police Station Community Room 19020 Vanowen Street Reseda, CA 91335

WHO:Detective Ninette Toosbuy, Officer-in-Charge, West Valley Area Sex Crimes Detail Courtney R. and Anna B. sex crime survivors of Gaspar’s assault

WHY: In June of 2006, LAPD West Valley Area Sex Crimes detectives were investigating allegations by former patients of Eduardo Ramon Rodas Gaspar, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Tarzana Hospital. The former patients described being sexual assaulted by Gaspar post-surgery, some while still under the influence of anesthesia. On June 15, 2006, Gaspar was arrested for three felony counts of sexual assault. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Gaspar with multiple counts of sexual assault.

On July 7, 2006, LAPD West Valley Sex Crimes detectives conducted a news release asking for the public’s help in identifying additional victims. After the news release, several additional victims came forth describing similar sexual assaults by Gaspar while they were patients at Tarzana Hospital. After the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office filed seven additional felony counts against Gaspar, he skipped bail and disappeared with his wife and then 6-year-old son.

After Gaspar’s disappearance, LAPD West Valley Sex Crimes detectives initiated a manhunt for Gaspar. The investigation was featured on the America’s Most Wanted television show. Many leads were developed and detectives learned Gaspar had fled to Guatemala, his country of birth.

LAPD detectives spent years attempting to locate Gaspar in Guatemala. Once located, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office issued a foreign extradition warrant for Gaspar’s arrest. On June 26, 2017, Gaspar was transported from Guatemala to Los Angeles and taken into LAPD custody.

VISUALS: Photograph of Gaspar will be made available.

CONTACT: For more information please contact Detective Ninette Toosbuy, West Valley Area Sex Crimes Detail at 818.374.7718 or call Media Relations at 213-486-5910.