Covina sexual assault suspect arrested; additional victims sought

COVINA, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspect believed to be responsible for a series of sexual assaults in Covina and surrounding areas leading back to 2012 is now behind bars.

Covina police say Alexander Lorenzo Sandoval, 18, has admitted to committing the crimes, and has even wrote a letter of apology.

The suspect bears a striking resemblance to the composite sketch, and that's how investigators first identified him as a possible suspect.

The first attacks occurred in December 2012 at Sandoval's apartment complex on the 21000 block of East Arrow Highway.

In each of the incidents, the female victims were grabbed from behind. The suspect would then place his hands over their mouth, throwing them to the ground.

Similar attacks occurred throughout the area through March 2013. Again, the women were grabbed from behind and fondled.

Authorities say that, in one attack, Sandoval kicked the victim after knocking her to the ground. She was five months pregnant at the time.

The composite sketch led investigators to positively identify Sandoval as a possible suspect.

"He denied any involvement, and though he closely resembled the sketch, witnesses were unable to identify him in a line-up," Deputy Quiana Birbeck said.

It wasn't until June 2014 that a recent victim spotted Sandoval following her once again, and called police.

The 18-year-old is now being held without bail on a long list of charges, including sexual battery and felony assault.

Some of the charges were filed in juvenile court because Sandoval was underage at the time of the assault. The suspect turned 18 years old in October 2013.

Sandoval is due back in court in two weeks.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone who may have been a victim or who has information about this investigation was asked to contact police.