Man accused of 4 bridal shop attacks
Police on Tuesday searched for additional victims of a man who allegedly drugged and then sexually assaulted four minor girls while working in a Wilmington wedding and quinceanera store owned by his mother.
Carlos Aguirre Jr., 23, of Wilmington was charged last Wednesday with a lewd act on a child, rape of an unconscious person, criminal threats and possession of narcotics for sale, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Aguirre, who was the photographer, DJ and limo driver at the store, allegedly used alcohol and the illicit drug Ecstasy to sedate his victims and then sexually assault them, said Det. Elena Orta with LAPD Harbor Sex Crimes. He remained in custody today on $1.5-million bail.
“We have information there may be other victims,” Orta said. “We just need them to come forward.”
Police learned of the alleged assaults when one victim came forward a few months ago. As the investigation progressed, two others spoke up, Orta said. On Tuesday, after detectives announced they were searching for more victims, another came forward. Detectives think the sexual assaults have been going on for “several years.”
Police would not give further information about the victims.
All of the alleged assaults are thought to have occurred at Simplemente Beatriz, a full-service wedding and quinceanera store at 922 N. Avalon Blvd. owned by Aguirre’s mother, police said. The store, which largely caters to Latinos, provides services for weddings, proms, quinceaneras, first communions and baptisms.
“Parents really need to talk to their daughters, or anybody who’s had access or been around” the store, Orta said.
Anyone with more information is requested to call Harbor Division detectives at (310) 522-2035.
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