Fireman Charged In Sexual Assault Of Woman Near El Monte Elementary School
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 38-year-old fireman accused of sexually assaulting a woman near an elementary school in El Monte has been charged, officials said on Friday.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Richard Thomas Loken, of Moreno Valley, faces one count each of possession of a firearm in a school zone, sexual battery, false imprisonment and having a concealed firearm in a vehicle.
On Wednesday, Loken allegedly approached and grabbed a woman's breast as she walked near a Potrero Elementary School.
According to prosecutors, the woman immediately called 911 while he stood in front of her, blocking her way.
When a witness in the area asked what was happening after hearing the woman screaming, Loken fled from the area.
Later that afternoon, he was seen sitting in his vehicle near the school for an extended period of time, which subsequently prompted residents to alert authorities of his presence.
Upon their arrival, officers approached Loken's car and discovered a firearm was inside before taking him into custody.
Loken, who is employed as a firefighter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, is scheduled to appear in court in El Monte today.
Prosecutors are expected to request his bail be set at $30,000.
If convicted, Loken faces a possible maximum sentence of eight years in county jail.
