2 Suspects Held in Alleged Kidnaping, Assault of Girl, 15

Sheriff’s deputies investigating suspected drug activity at a motel room early Friday stumbled upon a 15-year-old Orange County girl who was allegedly kidnaped and sexually assaulted by two men.

Samuel Martinez, 34, and Peter Romero, 28, both of Norwalk, were arrested at the Norwalk Motel on Firestone Boulevard on suspicion of kidnaping and sexual assault, said Sheriff’s Deputy Mary Landreth. Both were being held on $30,000 bail each.

Martinez, who sprained his ankle trying to escape, was booked at the jail ward of County-USC Medical Center, and Romero was held at the sheriff’s Norwalk station.

Landreth said deputies went to the motel about 4 a.m. on a report of possible drug activity. When deputies knocked on the door, Romero answered. He appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic, Landreth said.

Through the open door, deputies spotted drug paraphernalia on a dresser, Landreth said. They then found the girl lying under blankets on a bed, with Martinez sitting on top of the covers, Landreth said.

The girl told the deputies that the two men had kidnaped her about 6 p.m. Thursday near Sunset Beach, Landreth said. She said they drove her around for three hours and later forced her to perform sex acts, Landreth said.