News Releases

David Josue Lopes faces life without the possibility of parole if convicted as charged

LOS ANGELES – A 38-year-old man has been charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a young girl at a Hollywood restaurant on Nov. 5.

“The allegations in this case are horrifying,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “An innocent child and her family have suffered an unthinkable trauma that will leave lasting scars. My Office will use every legal tool available to seek justice for this young victim and to ensure that the individual responsible is held accountable under the law.”

David Josue Lopes (dob 8/29/87) of Los Angeles has been charged in case 25CJCF07314 with one felony count of forcible lewd act upon a child under 14. He also faces allegations of aggravated kidnapping and infliction of bodily harm on a child under 14 years old.

On the evening of Nov. 5, the defendant is accused of approaching the victim inside a Hollywood restaurant, taking her to a closed area out of public view and physically and sexually assaulting her.

Lopes pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Nov. 10. His preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Dec. 12 in Department 33 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. He is being held on no bail.

If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jeff Megee of the Sex Crimes Division Stuart House and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division-Stuart House are asking the public for help in identifying more victims of sexual assault. Anyone with information about Lopes is asked to contact detectives at 424-259-7096. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org . Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.