Faith Healer Rapist Caught

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, March 9, 2000

"LAPD Detectives Catch ‘Faith Healer’ Rapist, Additional Victims are Sought"

Los Angeles – Between December 28, 1999, and February 28, 2000, seven female Hispanics, ranging in age from 12 to 43 years, reported that they had been sexually assaulted. The victims reported that the suspect had used his position as a "faith healer" and family spiritual advisor in the Hispanic community to persuade them into sexual acts. The victims had known the suspect for many years and had come to believe in his powers to heal and be a medium to the spiritual world. The suspect advised the victims that if they did not have sexual intercourse with him, bad things would happen to them or their family members.

On January 13, 2000, Robbery-Homicide Division assumed investigative responsibility for these crimes. That same day, Southwest Area patrol officers were contacted by one of the victims and advised that the suspect was at his residence. Southwest Patrol Officers Anthony Cato Serial No. 27279, and Sergio Salas Serial No. 35178, responded and took the suspect into custody.

The suspect has been identified as Carlos Hugo Catalan, a male Hispanic, 49 years of age and a resident of Los Angeles.

The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and 19 felony counts were filed against the suspect. Bail has been set at $2 million.

It is believed that Catalan has many clients and that there are other female victims who have not come forward. Anyone having information regarding this investigation, or who may have been victimized by the suspect, is asked to contact Detectives David Cedeno or Jesse Alvarado at Robbery-Homicide Division, Rape Special Section, at 818-756-8309.

For Release 9:00 am PST
March 10, 2000