Photos released of Glendale pastor suspected of sexually assaulting minor at Covina hotel
COVINA, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities identified a pastor suspected of sexually assaulting a minor at a Covina hotel.
The man, identified as 40-year-old Baldwin Park resident Douglas Rivera, is suspected of driving through the Vanllee hotel parking lot in the 1200 block of Garvey Avenue North until he saw a lit room with drapes open.
Authorities said Rivera parked his truck facing the hotel room, where two minors were inside. He then masturbated while watching the two minors, police said. He soon got out of his vehicle and stood outside of their hotel window, pretending to be on the phone for over 30 minutes, according to police.
Rivera is said to have walked through the hotel and forced his way into the room once the minors opened the door slightly, believing it was their chaperone. The suspect then assaulted one of the minors and fled in his truck.
Covina police said the victim is part of a Chinese tour group. She is doing as well as can be expected, and her parents in China have been notified about the incident.
Investigators said the Vanllee hotel is a busy way station for Chinese charter tours, including many students, and that may be what lured the child predator there.
Authorities said the incident is an oral copulation investigation.
But in cellphone video, Rivera shared his side of the story with Eyewitness News and said he was simply in "the wrong place at the wrong time."
"I love you Los Angeles. Please, keep me in prayer," he said. "Listen, I did not do nothing wrong...something happened in that hotel, and that's the simple answer."
He added that he spoke with a lawyer and will be turning himself over to authorities on Wednesday.
During a search and seizure of his Baldwin Park home Friday night, authorities took possession of a dark-colored Dodge 4500 Ram truck with a flat bed, which appeared in the hotel surveillance video.
Authorities said Rivera appeared to have tried to repaint his truck, and neighbors said they witnessed him painting it Thursday.
In addition to the truck, authorities said they also took a computer and some boxes, but did not elaborate further on their investigation at the home.
Pastor Todd Leonard, who said Rivera rents a space at his church, told Eyewitness News that he had two "brief" interactions with Rivera.
"My prayers are with him and with the children who are the alleged victims of this. This is always a tragic event - no matter who is involved," he said.
He added he will also be praying for Rivera's congregation, God's Gypsy Christian Church, since it will be a difficult time for them as well.
Investigators said Rivera has not made any contact with police to surrender himself and consider him to be on the run.
Anyone with information or questions regarding this crime is urged to contact Covina Police Department Detective Ramirez (626) 384-5621, Watch Commander (626) 384-5665, or Crime Stoppers (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Refer to Covina PD case # 18-4203.
