| For Immediate Release November 13th, 2002 |
Contact: | Michelle Emard Media Relations Director (714) 347-8405 Office (714) 323-4486 Cell (714) 359-2239 Pager |
November 13th Press Release
SANTA ANA – The following is a comment from Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas regarding the prosecution of a number of sexual assaults and related crimes committed in the cities of Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos and Long Beach during a nearly six-year period from January 17, 1997 to November 7, 2002:
“The Orange County District Attorney’s office has agreed to allow the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office to prosecute four sexual assaults and related crimes committed in the cities of Huntington Beach and Los Alamitos.
These crimes are part of a series of attacks on 31 women in the Belmont Shores area of Long Beach and adjacent communities. The majority of the crimes were committed in Los Angeles County.
I believe prosecuting the suspect, Mark Rathbun, in one jurisdiction will promote judicial economy during both the trial and the appeal process, and ensure the highest maximum punishment for these heinous crimes.
I intend to cooperate fully with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to make sure the person who committed these violent sexual acts will never walk the streets again.”