A Santa Monica man is in custody following a series of disturbing incidents involving UCLA students and another woman, authorities announced Friday. Alexander Schecter, 26, was arrested and booked on multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, rape and robbery, stemming from separate alleged assaults occurring over a period of several months. The case has prompted a renewed focus on safety around the UCLA campus and a plea for potential additional victims to come forward.
The initial investigation began after two female UCLA students reported being prevented from leaving a vehicle driven by a man near campus around 3 a.m. On March 8. According to the UCLA Police Department, the man allegedly threatened them with violence. Detectives quickly identified Schecter as a suspect, leading to an initial arrest on March 12 on suspicion of kidnapping and false imprisonment. He was subsequently released after posting bail.
Although, the investigation didn’t complete there. As detectives continued to probe the initial reports, they uncovered evidence linking Schecter to a previously unreported sexual assault. This second incident allegedly occurred on October 12, between 2 and 5 a.m., in the area of Venice Boulevard and Clarington Avenue, near the border of the Palms and Culver City neighborhoods. The victim in this case is not affiliated with UCLA, police confirmed.
Based on this new evidence, the UCLA Police Department arrested Schecter a second time on Friday, adding charges of rape by force, forcible oral copulation, robbery, extortion, and battery to the existing allegations. He was again booked into custody and, according to records from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, released on bond Saturday.
Alexander Schecter was booked on multiple charges. Police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.
(UCLA Police Department)
Timeline of Events
The incidents involving Schecter unfolded over roughly eight months. The first reported incident involving the UCLA students occurred on March 8, 2024, with the subsequent arrest on March 12. The investigation then revealed a separate assault on October 12, 2023, leading to the second arrest on Friday, March 22, 2024. Schecter is scheduled to appear in court on April 15, 2024, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department inmate information center.
Concerns for Additional Victims
UCLA Police Department officials are actively investigating the possibility that Schecter may have victimized others. Detectives are urging anyone with information related to these incidents, or who may have had similar experiences with Schecter, to contact their investigations division at (310) 825-9371. The department is particularly interested in any reports that may corroborate the timeline of events or shed light on Schecter’s activities during the relevant periods. The investigation extends beyond the UCLA campus, encompassing the Palms and Culver City areas where the October assault occurred.
UCLA’s Response and Safety Measures
Although Schecter is not believed to be affiliated with the university, UCLA officials have acknowledged the concerns raised by these incidents. The university has increased patrols in and around campus and is reminding students to be vigilant about their surroundings, especially during evening and nighttime hours. UCLA’s Community Safety Office offers resources and programs aimed at promoting personal safety, including safety escorts and emergency contact information. More information can be found on the UCLA Safety Office website.
The charges against Schecter represent serious allegations, and the legal process is still unfolding. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office will now review the evidence presented by the UCLA Police Department to determine whether to file formal charges. The case highlights the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement and underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and safety awareness within the UCLA community and beyond.
If you or someone you grasp has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. You’ll see resources available to help. You can connect with the RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) by calling 800-656-HOPE or visiting https://www.rainn.org.
Schecter’s next court appearance on April 15 will be a key moment in the case, as the court will determine the next steps in the legal proceedings. The UCLA Police Department continues to encourage anyone with information to come forward as the investigation progresses. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
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