Los Angeles authorities are investigating two separate sexual assault cases involving vulnerable victims.
One case focuses on a homeless man accused of multiple rapes in the Little Tokyo area, while the other involves a man posing as an Uber driver who allegedly assaulted a teenage girl outside her school.
Kenneth Alan Woolfolk, 37, was arrested in connection with several alleged rapes in the Little Tokyo area, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
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The first known incident occurred on October 3, when a woman reported being raped in a tent near 1st Street and Judge John Aiso Street.
A second woman came forward on October 9, reporting a similar assault in the same area.
During their investigation, detectives identified Woolfolk as the suspect in three additional sexual assault cases. Officer Jader Chaves explained, “Detectives were conducting a follow-up investigation when they observed a person matching the description of the suspect. That suspect was taken into custody and positively identified as the suspect of that rape.”
A homeless man accused of raping three women is released from jail after the district attorney declines to press charges…
What in the name of Gavin Newsom’s lawless California is happening in Los Angeles? pic.twitter.com/drRTHvSz1T
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) November 16, 2024
Woolfolk, who is believed to be homeless and reportedly living on the streets with his mother, was arrested and booked on October 18.
However, he was released four days later after the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges.
“Based on evidence collected in this case, detectives believe this individual may be taking advantage of vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness and may be responsible for other rapes,” the LAPD said in a statement.
Investigators believe there could be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to contact police.
In a separate case, a 19-year-old man was arrested after allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl outside South Gate High School on October 23. The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, reportedly posed as an Uber driver, claiming to use a family member’s account to pick up the victim.
The girl’s mother, identified only as Estella, said she ordered the rideshare to take her daughter to school. Estella grew concerned when the ride took longer than expected, and her daughter stopped responding to calls and texts. After the attack, the victim called her sister, saying, “Something really bad happened to me in the Uber car.”
Man confesses following being arrested for posing as an Uber driver and sexually assaulting a 15 year old girl. And because it’s Los Angeles county, the confessed rapist was released on bail the following day. pic.twitter.com/GVyUqZQAx0
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) November 14, 2024
According to the victim, the man moved to the backseat and overpowered her. Estella later described the assault, saying, “He grabbed her from the neck, pinned her down toward the seat, [and] pulled down her pants.”
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Investigators determined that the suspect had locked the car doors and was impersonating a legitimate driver. The Los Angeles School Police Department tracked him down, and the man reportedly confessed to the crime but claimed the encounter was consensual. He was arrested and could face multiple charges, including statutory rape. The suspect was released on bail after pleading not guilty.
Uber released a statement condemning the incident: “The driver’s behavior is appalling and has no place on the Uber platform. We take reports of this nature very seriously, and we removed the driver’s access to the platform as soon as we were made aware.”
Estella expressed her frustration with the rideshare system, calling for stricter safeguards. “There should be a system of fingerprints or something, face recognition. They should have a system in place that a person who gets inside that vehicle knows that they’re going to be safe,” she said.
Both cases remain under investigation as law enforcement seeks additional evidence and potential victims. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
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