November 7, 2026 – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials report that Detectives assigned to the Special Victims Bureau are continuing their investigation into a sexual assault that occurred in the city of Lancaster involving 23-year-old Angel Espitia Ardon and a juvenile victim. The victim and Espitia Ardon initially met through a social media application.

The sexual assault occurred on January 2, 2026. On October 30, 2026, Espitia Ardon was arrested and booked, with bail set at $400,000.  On November 3, 2026, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and filed eight felony charges against Espitia Ardon, including multiple felony sexual offenses involving a minor and offenses related to child sexual abuse material. Based on the information discovered during the investigation, detectives believe there may be additional unidentified victims and are seeking the public’s help in identifying any additional victims.

Anyone with information regarding this case or who believes they may have been a victim is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau, Sergeant Joseph Mesa at (661) 471-1500.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department - Special Victims Bureau is tasked with investigating the sexual and physical abuse of children and felonious sexual assaults involving adult victims.  Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Special Victims Bureau toll free tip line at (877) 710-5273 or by email at: specialvictimsbureau@lasd.org.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP or “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website: https://lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department