A Santa Monica Police Department investigation that started three weeks ago concerning the sexual assault of a 13-year-old teenage girl has led to the arrest of a suspect on Tuesday.
Detectives began their investigation into the allegation on Dec. 14, 2011.
SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis said during the course of this ongoing investigation, investigators identified the suspect as Brian Anthony Marks, a 31 year-old Santa Monica resident.
“Investigators determined that Marks had met the victim in September of 2011 on a mobile texting application, similar to a chat room,” Lewis said. “The application is commonly used on mobile devices and smart phones. Marks developed an ongoing sexual relationship with the victim.”
On Jan. 3, 2012, investigators from the Santa Monica Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Unit, responded to Marks’ residence where he was placed under arrest and a search warrant was served. Marks was booked at the Santa Monica Jail for 288(a) PC (Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child) and 261.5(d) PC (Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor). Bail was set at $500,000.
Given the possibility that this crime was not a singular event, the Santa Monica Police Department is asking anyone else who may have been victimized by Marks to immediately report it to the Santa Monica Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Leslie Trapnell at 310.458.2256, Sergeant Renaldi Thruston at 310.458.8414 or the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at 310.458.8495.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call WeTip at 1.800.78.CRIME (1.800.78.27463), or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com. You will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward, up to $1,000, if your information leads to an arrest and conviction.
Callers can also contact Crime Stoppers by either calling 800.222.TIPS, texting from your mobile, or by visiting their website at www.lacrimestoppers.org. Callers may remain anonymous and may be qualified to receive a $1,000 reward by Crime Stoppers.
