2nd Update on Arrest of Serial Sexual Assault Suspect

November 1, 2006 -- A suspect believed responsible for committing several sexual assaults against women in the east and southeast sides of Houston has been charged in a second assault and positively identified in a third case.

The suspect, now identified as Jose Fernando Rivera-Sanchez (H/m, DOB 12-15-77), has been charged on a second count of aggravated sexual assault in the 176th State District Court for an attack on a 23-year-old woman on April 19 in the 2800 block of Delafield. The woman was walking in the 3900 block of Telephone when approached by the suspect and driven to the Delafield location. Rivera-Sanchez has also been positively identified in an attempted sexual assault of a woman on October 1.

The suspect also uses an alias of Leopoldo Sanchez (H/m, DOB 9-22-67). He was
arrested late Sunday (Oct. 29) and then questioned by investigators in the HPD Sex Crimes Unit. Rivera-Sanchez is also charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault in the 176th State District Court for the assault and attack on a woman on August 15 at 3800 Broadway. The investigation is ongoing, with investigators attempting to locate all female victims to view photo spreads in an effort to identify the suspect in their respective cases. As a result, investigators continue to urge media outlets to NOT show any photo of Sanchez's face until advised by the police department.

The suspect targets young women walking on public streets late at night, and apparently prefers prostitutes. The suspect asks a woman if she wants a ride and if the victim refuses to get into his vehicle, the suspect forces her into his car. The suspect then drives the victim to a predetermined, remote area where he sexually assaults her. If the victim refuses to comply, the suspect becomes violent. In at least three incidents, the suspect has driven a blue or dark four-door vehicle, possibly a Chevrolet Impala. In one case, the suspect drove a red Ford sport utility vehicle with a for sale sign in the window and in another case the suspect used a four-door white Ford vehicle. Investigators believe one suspect has access to these vehicles and is responsible for the following seven incidents:

• On April 19, the victim, 23, was in the 3900 block of Telephone Road and
  driven to 2828 Delafield.
• On June 1, the victim, 22, was at 8200 Gulf Freeway (service road) and
  driven to 8600 Gulf Freeway (service road).
• On August 15, the victim, 18, was in the 3800 block of Broadway and driven
  to 9100 Carsondale.
• On October 1, the victim, 33, was at 6100 Gulf Freeway (service road) and
  driven to 9000 Carsondale.
• On October 6, the victim, 21, was at 2800 Galveston Road and was sexually
  assaulted at the same location.
• On October 16, the victim, 26, was walking outside 8003 Howard and driven to
  9200 Carsondale.
• On October 25, the victim, 22, was walking in the 8500 block of La Porte and
  driven to 9400 Lawndale.

2nd Update JFC/NJM 11-1-06
Update JFC/MW/GO 10-31-06
JFC/MW/GO 10-30-06

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division a 713-308-3200.