Suspect Arrested for University Park Sexual Assaults NR15151lp

Los Angeles: On April 28, 2015
the Los Angeles Police Department, Southwest Area detectives
arrested 21-year-old Javier Cardoza, a Los Angeles resident, for
sexual battery.

Cardoza is believed to be involved in the Sexual Battery of at
least 12 separate victims in the University Park Community. From
mid-February 2015 to the present date, there had been a series of
sexual battery cases reported in the University Park community in
which the suspect would approach victims from behind and either
slapped or grabbed the victim’s buttocks area and then immediately
fled the area.

LAPD officers coordinated with the University of Southern
California’s Department of Public Safety (USC DPS) to issue several
safety alerts to the University Park community. This resulted in
additional victims coming forward. Both the LAPD and USC DPS
increased patrols in the area and worked in a collaborative effort
to identify the suspect via security cameras, composite sketches,
and other investigative methods. These efforts paid off as USC DPS
officers spotted Cardoza who matched the suspect’s description in
the area where the crimes previously occurred.

Cardoza and is currently being held on $240,000 bail awaiting
arraignment.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact
Southwest Area Detective Daniel Gonzales, at (323) 290-2975. 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 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Tipster may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number
274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text
messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go
to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.