Man Faces Charges In Alleged Santa Monica Sexual Assaults

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 27-year-old man was jailed without bail Thursday and was facing charges in connection with sexual assaults and robberies in Santa Monica.

Fernando Venancio Jr. of Lynwood was arrested on Monday night, according to Santa Monica Police and sheriff's inmate records.

Officers responded about 4:15 p.m. Monday to a call for service in the 800 block of 18th Street after a struggle could be heard.

"When officers arrived, they spoke with the victim of a robbery and an attempted sexual assault," according to Santa Monica Police Department Lt. Saul Rodriguez.

Officers searched for the suspect and found Venancio in the 900 block of 19th Street, the lieutenant said.

"Following a preliminary investigation, SMPD detectives have been able to link Venancio to two others incidents," Rodriguez said.

One was a June 16 sexual assault in the 800 block of 18th Street and the other a July 12 sexual assault in the area of Santa Monica Boulevard and 17th Street, according to Rodriguez.

Venancio is now facing rape, robbery and assault with intent to commit rape charges, Rodriguez said.

Anyone with information about these or other crimes possibly committed by Venancio was urged to call 310-458-8941 to speak with SMPD Detective Murphy, 310-458-8983 to speak with Detective Carrillo or 310-458-8475 to speak with Sgt. Art Williams.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service