Police Seek Potential Victims After Indecent Exposure Arrest

SANTA MONICA, CA — Police are seeking potential additional victims after a registered sex offender allegedly exposed himself to an employee while trying on women's clothing at a Santa Monica store.

Michael Greenwald, 72, of Calabasas, was arrested Sept. 4 following an investigation into the Aug. 29 incident, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. Police said Greenwald entered the women's clothing store at about 3 p.m. and told an employee he needed to try on women's clothing for a television show he was filming.

While trying on the clothing, Greenwald allegedly intentionally exposed his genitals and buttocks to the female employee, according to police. He then left the store without buying anything. The incident was reported to SMPD the following day, setting off an investigation that ultimately led detectives to Greenwald.

Investigators reviewed footage of the suspect's vehicle, which police said helped them identify him. Greenwald was arrested Sept. 4, and detectives also served a search warrant at his Calabasas residence. Police said investigators recovered evidence related to the case during the search but did not disclose what was found.

Four days after Greenwald's arrest, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed one felony count of indecent exposure under California Penal Code Section 314(1), according to SMPD.

Police said Greenwald is a registered sex offender with prior convictions for similar conduct, though the department did not provide details about those cases in Thursday's announcement. Greenwald is described as a white man, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds, with brown hair.

The department is now asking anyone who believes they may have experienced similar conduct involving Greenwald, or who has information relevant to the investigation, to come forward.

SMPD Lt. Lewis Gilmour told Patch that because the investigation remains active, police could not discuss its scope or say whether additional reports have been received beyond the information released Thursday. SMPD also declined to confirm whether Greenwald was the same person involved in an unrelated 2014 Ventura County case when asked by Patch.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of similar conduct involving Greenwald can contact Detective Carlos Madrid at 424-280-0133 or carlos.madrid@santamonica.gov, or Sgt. George Burciaga at 310-458-8952 or george.burciaga@santamonica.gov.