Detectives Release Suspect Photo to Aid Investigation, As Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

Detectives with the LAPD Juvenile Division's Stuart House Unit said 37-year-old David Josue Lopes, also known as David Lopez, was arrested Nov. 6 in the Westlake area after investigators identified him as the suspect in the abduction and assault of a minor girl. Lopes was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of sexual assault.

Prosecutors have since charged Lopes, of Los Angeles, with one felony count of forcible lewd act upon a child under 14, along with special allegations of aggravated kidnapping and inflicting bodily harm on a child. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Lopes is accused of approaching the victim inside a Hollywood restaurant on the evening of Nov. 5, escorting her to a secluded area and sexually and physically assaulting her.

Lopes pleaded not guilty at a Nov. 10 arraignment and is being held without bail. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Dec. 12 in Department 33 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. If convicted on all charges, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Investigators believe additional victims may exist due to the severity and circumstances of the alleged assault. To help identify other possible survivors, police released a photograph of Lopes and urged anyone with information to come forward. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jeff Megee of the Sex Crimes Division Stuart House and remains under active investigation.