News Releases

Anthony Francisco Jones is charged with allegedly sexually assaulting two women in the Venice Canals neighborhood 

VENICE, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced charges against Anthony Francisco Jones for allegedly sexually assaulting two women in the Venice Canals neighborhood on April 6.

“We are deeply outraged and appalled by these incomprehensible brutal sexual assaults committed against these two innocent survivors,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Such despicable acts have no place in our society and will not be tolerated. Our office is fully committed to prosecuting the individual accountable for these crimes with the utmost vigor and ensuring that justice is served for the victims.”

“Sexual assault and sex crimes in any form are abhorrent and intolerable, and I commend the swift and diligent efforts of the Los Angeles Police Department and District Attorney Gascon’s office in expeditiously investigating this matter and bringing forth charges,” said Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “Our hearts go out to the survivors of these egregious acts, whose lives have been forever altered by the trauma they endured.”

“I am proud of the hard work and dedication to public safety displayed by the officers and specialized detectives involved in this case as well as the expedient filing by the District Attorney,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi. “I am also thankful for the Venice community and their participation in ridding our streets from this predator.”

Anthony Francisco Jones (dob 09/12/94) is charged with two counts of forcible rape, one count of sexual penetration by use of force, one count of mayhem, one count of torture, one count of attempted murder, and one count of sodomy by use of force.

It also is alleged that Jones committed the sexual assaults during the course of a kidnapping, against multiple victims, and that he inflicted great bodily injury on the victims.

Jones is scheduled to be arraigned today in Dept. 30 at the Airport Courthouse.

On April 6 between 10:30-11:30 p.m., Jones allegedly physically attacked and sexually assaulted two female victims, both in their mid-40s and mid-50s, as they each were alone outside in the Venice Canal neighborhood.

The People are recommending that Jones be held on no bail.

If convicted as charged, Jones will face life in prison.

The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.