Alleged Police Impersonator Pleads Not Guilty To Sexually Assaulting, Robbing Woman In El Segundo
EL SEGUNDO (CBSLA.com) — A man accused of sexually assaulting and robbing a woman while posing as a police officer was charged Wednesday with multiple felony counts.
Wesley Robert Stepp, 28, pleaded not guilty to second-degree robbery, first-degree burglary with a person present, three counts of sexual battery by restraint, false imprisonment by violence, impersonating a police officer and possession of a billy club.
His bail was set at $145,000.
According to El Segundo police, Stepp used a website Saturday to arrange a meeting with a woman at a South Bay Double Tree hotel.
Stepp allegedly identified himself as an officer conducting a prostitution sting and flashed a realistic badge.
"Once inside the room, he handcuffed and sexually assaulted the victim before taking cash and property and fleeing with a second suspect," Lt. Jaime Bermudez said.
The 28-year-old was arrested Monday after police caught Stepp trying to use the woman's credit card on surveillance video.
Meantime, authorities need the public's help in identifying the other suspect.
He is described as a black man, 28 to 35 years old, 6 feet 1 inch tall, 170 pounds with a bald head and goatee.
Detectives believe there could be additional victims. Anyone with information should contact El Segundo police Det. Jeff Humphrey at (310) 524-2284.
