Case # 18HF1291
Date: September 21, 2018
REMARKS BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY TONY RACKAUCKAS – PEOPLE V. GRANT ROBICHEAUX AND CERISSA RILEY CASE UPDATE
SANTA ANA, Calif. – “Thank you all for coming this morning. First off, I want to thank the members of the media for helping to spread the message about this case. Because of your help, we have received over 50 calls and have established over a dozen solid leads for potential victims.
“As to Robicheaux, we are examining crimes that may have taken place from two decades ago to present day. We are expanding our inquiry to several states, as well as other parts of California.
“We now believe Robicheaux and Riley not only met their potential prey in person at bars and restaurants, but Robicheaux may have targeted victims through dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble. Ladies, please be careful when you meet people through these apps. You don’t know who is behind what appears to be a perfect smile.
“I want to specifically thank each of the brave women who have come forward to report what happened to them. I know this must have been tremendously difficult to re-live. The women who have come forward after seeing the press reports feel they had to support the charged victims and to make sure the defendants are stopped from doing this to other women.
“I want to speak directly to the potential additional victims out there: Even if you made a conscious choice to party with these two, or anyone for that matter, no one gets a pass to assault you when you are unconscious or past the point of consent. We want the victims to know that we will guard your identity and safeguard your privacy.
“We also ask the public to respect the victims’ privacy and allow them to go through the criminal justice system with dignity. They didn’t ask for this to happen to them.
“I understand that the defense is going to have a press conference. We’ve seen this with many prior cases and it’s not unusual for the defense to attack the prosecution and/or attack the victims.
“For everyone out there, especially in Orange County, the state of California, and beyond, please continue to share the information we are providing on this case through your social media. Even if you were not personally affected by this case, your friend on your social media may have been. So please help keep this message out there.
“We are continuing to partner with Newport Beach Police to direct all necessary resources to ensure these defendants are brought to justice. We look forward to the time when the victims get their day in court. Thank you again for coming today and for helping spread the message.”