Jose Julian Jaime Jr., 30, of Hawthorne, has been charged with sexually assaulting and attempting to kidnap an 11-year-old girl, the DA’s office announced Friday.
The incident allegedly happened on Monday, Oct. 21 – which also happens to be Jaime’s birthday, according to the DA’s release.
On Monday afternoon, the young girl was walking home from school in Wilmington when Jaime approached her from behind.
According to police reports, Jaime fondled her breasts and attempted to take her from the area.
Bystanders who witnessed the attempted kidnapping intervened and scared off Jaime as he got into his car and sped away.
The 30-year-old was arrested and taken into custody on Oct. 23 for aggravated kidnapping and was held on $1 million bail. A search warrant was also served at his home.
On Friday, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón charged Jaime with one felony count of forcible lewd act upon a child under age 14; and one felony count of attempted kidnapping to commit another crime. They also found that he was a stranger to the girl.
“Our thoughts are with the young victim as she and her family navigate the trauma she has endured,” said DA Gascón. “I would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the witnesses who stepped up during this critical time. Your willingness to act and provide aid to the victim and valuable information to police was vital in identifying the suspect, demonstrating the strength and unity of our community in protecting its most vulnerable members.”
Jaime faces a maximum sentence of 19 years in state prison if convicted.
