By Lookout Staff

March 22, 2012 -- Santa Monica police are seeking possible victims of a massage technician who was sentenced to six months in jail last week and must register as a sexual offender after sexually assaulting a client.

Jesse Tovar, 23, was taken into custody last April 22 for unlawful sexual penetration of a female client at “The Massage Company,” 201 Wilshire Boulevard.

The victim told police that the previous day Tovar "put his hands down her underpants during a massage and digitally penetrated her against her will," said Sgt. Richard Lewis, the Police Department spokesman.

"The victim immediately fled the location and reported the incident to the Santa Monica Police Department," Lewis said.

Last Friday, Tovar pleaded guilty to one felony count of false imprisonment and one count of misdemeanor sexual battery, according to police.
           
In addition to serving prison time and registering as a sex offender, Tovar was sentenced to 30 days of Cal-Trans community service and sexual compulsion counseling, police said.

Tovar will surrender to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on April 11, 2012 to begin serving his sentence.

Police are asking other possible victims to immediately file a report with the Santa Monica Police Department. 

Anyone with information should contact Detective Duane Hicks at 310.458.8983, Sergeant Darrick Jacob at 310.458.8460, or the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at (310) 458-8495.  Sexual assault victims’ identities are protected by law and are confidential.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-78-27463), or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com. Those who provide information that leads to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. 

Anonymous tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers by either calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting their website at www.lacrimestoppers.org. Those who wish to text an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers should view their webpage for detailed instructions.  If the information leads to an arrest, the tipster is eligible to receive a reward up to $1, 000.