LAPD seeks leads in indecent exposure case involving school girls

Los Angeles police Wednesday night were seeking people who may have been victimized by a man arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure and lewd conduct involving underage girls.

Roderico Arael Lopez, 28, allegedly cruised in his red van across the San Fernando Valley, where he exposed himself to girls walking to school, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

The LAPD said officers had received 11 reports of a man exposing himself in the area in recent months. Lopez was arrested Tuesday.

He is described as Latino, about 5 feet 6, weighing 160 pounds with short hair. He was being held in lieu of $20,000 bail and on an immigration hold, the LAPD said.

Indecent exposure is typically considered a "lesser" sex offense. It does not necessarily involve forced or nonconsensual sexual conduct and therefore may not have a direct victim. Indecent exposure charges involve a defendant who has allegedly exposed his or her sexual organs in public.

If you have been accused of indecent exposure in Los Angeles, Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend can offer you his services as an experienced sex crime defense attorney to help you challenge these allegations and work toward avoiding a conviction. A conviction may still result in up to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $1000, and lifetime sex offender registration.

Enhanced penalties may apply if a defendant is accused of entering an inhabited dwelling or building and exposing oneself.

Contact the law office of Robert Helfend for a lawyer who will work tirelessly to challenge the prosecuting attorney's case in order to protect your interests.