Suspect Charged In Kidnapping Of UCLA Student, Earlier Sexual Assault: DA

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 26-year-old man has been charged with kidnapping a UCLA student and sexually assaulting another woman.

Alexander Schecter of Santa Monica is charged with one felony count of kidnapping to commit another crime; one felony count of first-degree residential robbery; two felony counts of forcible oral copulation; and one felony count of forcible rape, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The charges against Schecter stem from at least two separate incidents.

The most recent incident occurred at around 3 a.m. March 8 on the 500 block of Landfair Avenue in Westwood.

"Schecter was allegedly dropping off the student in the area when he allegedly prevented her from exiting his vehicle and threatened violence. The student was able to exit the vehicle approximately half a mile away on the 400 block of Gayley Avenue," prosecutors said in a release.

Authorities did not offer details about the relationship between Schecter and the victim, such why he was driving her. Police did say that Schecter is not affiliated with the university.

In announcing Schecter's arrest last month, the UCLA Police Department said two female students were kidnapped in that incident. Patch asked the DA's office for clarification about the discrepancy, a spokesperson said prosecutors "filed all charges that were provable against the defendant."

Schecter was arrested in connection to the incident four days later. As police cotoninued their investigation, they uncovered unspecified evidence linking Schecter to the sexual assault of a woman that occurred on October, according to UCLA police.

That incident occurred in the early morning of October 12 near Venice Boulevard and Clarington Avenue on the Palms/Culver City line. The victim in that case is not affiliated with the university, police said.

The rape occurred at around 3:15 a.m., prosectors said.

“The callous and deeply disturbing actions of the defendant have left two women with unimaginable trauma,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “I want to first recognize the bravery of the victims for coming forward to report what happened to them. Their bravery not only brings us closer to justice but also helps us protect others.

"I urge anyone else who may have been victimized to come forward: You are not alone, you will be heard, and you will be treated with compassion and respect. Our Sex Crimes Division will vigorously prosecute this case and hold the responsible individual accountable for the harm he caused.”

Authorities last month said "there may be additional unreported incidents involving Schecter" and urged anyone who believes they may have been victimized by him to contact the UCLA Police Department Investigations Division at 310-825-9371.

Schecter’s arraignment and bail review hearing was continued to May 4. His bail is set at $700,000; prosecutors plan to ask the court to set bail at $1.4 million, the DA's office said.

If convicted as charged, Schecter faces 37 years to life in state prison.