North Hollywood Detectives Arrest Child Sexual Predator

May 8, 2008

Los Angeles: An aggressive investigation by the North Hollywood detectives has resulted in the arrest of a sexual predator of children in Sun Valley.

On May 5, 2008, a sexual assault crime involving a six-year-old juvenile victim, a resident of Sun Valley, was reported to the LAPD. The suspect’s mode of operation was to rent a room or residence next door to where the child/victim was living, befriend the child or the child’s family and eventually move forward with the assault. Information obtained during the investigation also revealed that the suspect had committed an additional sexual assault involving a minor victim. The investigation then moved into an aggressive attempt to locate the suspect and prevent further such crimes in the community.

On May 6, 2008, a search warrant was served at the Sun Valley residence of the suspect, 28-year-old Pedro Ortiz, where evidence was recovered that led to his arrest. Ortiz was booked at LAPD Valley Jail Section for lewd acts on a child under the age of 14.

North Hollywood Detectives are seeking information from the public to determine if there are additional victims of this sexual predator. Ortiz previously lived in the Panorama City area of the San Fernando Valley, has gone by the name “Pete” and has used the aliases Sadot Lopez and Andres Lopez. He also has prior felony convictions and is a previously deported convicted felon. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold has been placed on Ortiz.

Anyone with additional information, especially in reference to other outstanding victims, may contact Detective Karen Crawford or Lieutenant Alan Hamilton at the LAPD North Hollywood Division, 818-623-4045. Calls during after-hours or on weekends may be directed to a 24-hour hotline at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).