New information in the delay of communication concerning the sexual assault on Feb. 10, as previously reported by the Roundup, was released via email Thursday, Feb. 27.
Pierce College President Kathleen Burke sent out an email to the faculty and staff of the college with a detailed explanation from Sheriff’s Captain Cheryl Newman-Tarwater as to why two weeks had passed after the crime occurred before it was reported to the Pierce community.
Sheriff’s Deputy Al Guerrero received a letter from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on the morning of Monday, Feb. 24 with a crime report about the sexual assault that took place at Pierce campus on Feb 10. according to the email.
Deputy Guerrero followed procedures per the CLERY act immediately notifying his superiors and the administration of Pierce College about the crime according to the email.
Captain Newman-Tarwater reached out to LAPD Topanga Division, where the crime was reported on Feb. 11, and spoke with Captain Jorge Rodriguez to ensure that clear lines of communication will exist between the two agencies moving forward according to the email.
Captain Newman-Tarwater also reached out to the victim and apologized for the delay on the investigation and explained how the Sheriffs were just notified by the report from LAPD at that time according to the email.
The investigation is still ongoing and the Sheriffs believe their detectives are close to resolving the case according to the email.
Anyone with additional information can reach the Sheriff’s office on campus at 818-719-6450 or the Sheriff’s Bureau at 323-668-7561.
