SANTA MONICA—Fernando Venancio Jr, 43, of Lynwood was arrested for his role in multiple robberies and sexual assaults that transpired in Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Police Department reported.
According to a press release from the SMPD, on July 22, at approximately 4:16 p.m, officers received a radio call to the 800 block of 18th Street involving a situation of struggle that could be heard over a 9-1-1 call.
When officers arrived to the scene they spoke with a victim of a robbery and attempted sexual assault. After searching for the suspect, Venancio was found on the 900 block of 19th Street and taken into custody.
The Santa Monica Police Department tweeted, “CHARGES FILED ON ROBBERY/RAPE SUSPECT – #SantaMonica officers arrest suspect linked to multiple sexual arrest/robbery incidents. The suspect remains in custody with no bail options as the investigation continues,” on Thursday, July 25.
Venancio has been charged with two counts of 261(a)(2) PC Forcible Rape; 289(a)(1) PC Digital Penetration with Force; two counts of 211 PC Robbery; and 220(a)(1) PC Assault with intent to Commit Rape. He remains in custody pending future court proceedings.
He is also being linked to two additional incidents. On June 16, a sexual assault occurred on the 800 block of 18th Street and on July 12, a sexual assault and robbery occurred in the area of 17th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard.
Due to confidentiality and the nature of the crime, the names of the victims will not be released, Lt. Rodriguez indicated in an email to Canyon News.
