Jose Julian Jaime Jr., 30, of Hawthorne, has been charged with sexual assault and attempting to kidnap an 11-year-old child, the District Attorney’s Office reported Friday.
According to the DA’s announcement, the incident allegedly occurred on Monday, October 21, which also happens to be Jaime’s birthday.
On Monday afternoon, Jaime approached the young girl from behind as she walked home from school in Wilmington.
According to police accounts, Jaime fondled her breasts and tried to remove her from the scene.
Bystanders who witnessed the attempted kidnapping intervened, scaring Jaime as he got into his car and drove away.
On Oct. 23, the 30-year-old was apprehended and brought into custody for aggravated kidnapping. He was being held on $1 million bond. A search warrant was also executed at his house.
On Friday, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón charged Jaime with one felony offense of forcible indecent act against a minor under the age of 14 and one felony count of attempted kidnapping to perform another crime. They also established that he was a stranger to her.
“Our thoughts are with the young victim as she and her family navigate the trauma she has endured,” Gascón told reporters. “I’d also like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to the witnesses who came forward during this important moment. Your willingness to help the victim and provide key information to authorities was critical in identifying the offender, proving our community’s strength and togetherness in defending its most vulnerable members.”
If convicted, Jaime may receive a maximum sentence of 19 years in state prison.
