URGENT UPDATE: A 35-year-old man, identified as George Valle, has been arrested following a disturbing report of sexual assault involving a female teenager in the Santa Clara Riverbed, Canyon Country. The incident, which is currently under investigation by the Special Victims Bureau of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, was reported Monday morning, with authorities confirming ongoing inquiries into the case.
According to Sgt. Joseph Mesa, head of the Special Victims Unit, detectives are in the early stages of the investigation, stating there is no immediate danger to the community. “The investigation is ongoing,” Mesa emphasized in an email Tuesday afternoon. He did not disclose whether Valle and the victim were previously acquainted.
Santa Clarita Sheriff’s deputies responded to a distress call around Soledad Canyon Road and Camp Plenty Road on Monday, swiftly locating both the suspect and the victim. Valle was taken into custody without incident and faces charges under California Penal Code section 261(a)1, which pertains to sexual assault cases involving individuals unable to give legal consent due to mental or physical incapacity.
Valle remains in custody, with bail set at $265,000. Earlier, on October 31, he was arrested for petty theft but was released the following day. He is scheduled for a court appearance at the San Fernando Courthouse this Wednesday.
This alarming incident has sent shockwaves through the Canyon Country community, highlighting the crucial need for vigilance and support for victims of sexual violence. The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
