Crime & Safety
Man Suspected Of Sexually Assaulting 2 Homeless Women, Police Say
Police arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with two separate sexual assaults reported in Santa Monica.
SANTA MONICA, CA — The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against a 26-year-old man suspected of assault to commit rape and sexual battery in connection with two separate attacks in Santa Monica.
An unhoused woman told officers Sept. 12 that she was sleeping a few days before in the 1700-1800 block of the beach and when she woke up a man "was touching her vaginal area over her clothes," police said. The victim screamed and the suspect walked away.
"The victim provided police with a description of the suspect," police said. "She noted he had a distinctive gap in his front teeth."
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Officers responded about 4:30 a.m. Sept. 15 near Ocean and Colorado avenues to a woman who said she was sleeping in her tent near the 1200 block of the beach when a man woke her up and "began to make small talk."
"At one point the male attempted to shift their conversation to be sexual in nature," police said.
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He tried to grab the woman around the neck and take off her clothes, police said. She screamed and fought him off before he ran away.
The victim gave police a suspect description and officers later saw the suspect near 4th Street and Colorado Avenue.
"During the course of their investigation, officers learned Newman was an active Registered Sexual Offender," police said. "Detectives followed up with the victim of the first incident and she also identified Newman as the male that assaulted her."
Jarvis Mathias Newman, who is also known as Marquis Perkings, was later taken into custody. He is currently detained at Pitchess Detention Center North Facility.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Friday filed assault to commit rape and sexual battery charges against Newman.
No bail was set for him. Newman is scheduled to appear at LAX Superior Court on Oct. 18.
Anyone with additional information about the incident or suspect is urged to contact SMPD Detective Jacob Holloway at 310-458-8934 or the watch commander’s office at 310-458-2249.
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