A Los Angeles man has been charged with a forcible lewd act on a young girl whom he allegedly approached at a Hollywood restaurant and took to an area out of the public’s view last week, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.
David Josue Lopes, 38, pleaded not guilty Monday to a felony count of forcible lewd act on a child under 14, along with allegations of aggravated kidnapping and infliction of bodily harm on a child under 14, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
The alleged attack occurred last Wednesday evening, according to the District Attorney’s Office, which did not disclose the girl’s age.
Lopes was arrested late Thursday by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division and remains behind bars without bail while awaiting his next appearance Dec. 12 at a downtown Los Angeles courthouse, jail records show.
In a statement announcing the charges, District Attorney Nathan Hochman said, “The allegations in this case are horrifying. An innocent child and her family have suffered an unthinkable trauma that will leave lasting scars.”
The county’s top prosecutor added that his office “will use every legal tool available to seek justice for this young victim and to ensure that the individual responsible is held accountable under the law.”
Lopes could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
The case remains under investigation, with detectives asking for the public’s help in identifying any other alleged victims.
Anyone with information about Lopes was asked to call detectives at 424-259-7096 or to call 877-527-3247 during non-business hours or on weekends.