Mental Competency Proceedings Set for Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting Woman on Metro Bus in Culver City

Criminal proceedings were suspended Wednesday for a man accused of sexually assaulting a mentally disabled young woman aboard a Metro bus in Culver City, after his attorney declared doubt about his competency to stand trial.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kathryn Solorzano ordered a mental competency hearing for 20-year-old Kerry Trotter, according to Sandi Gibbons of the District Attorney's Office.

Trotter pleaded not guilty Nov. 14 to one count each of forcible rape and rape of an incompetent person and two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object.

He allegedly raped the 18-year-old woman, who has the mental capacity of a 10-year-old, at 5:10 p.m. pn Nov. 7. Sheriff's detectives said the woman and suspect boarded the bus at the same time at La Cienega and Jefferson boulevards, and he allegedly followed her to the rear of the bus and sexually assaulted her.

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Trotter got off the bus at Sepulveda Boulevard and Slauson Avenue in Culver City and the alleged victim reported the assault to the bus driver who contacted authorities. Metro officials said surveillance video showed that about four or five other people were on the bus when the crime occurred.

Trotter was arrested Nov. 9 at a home in the 1400 block of West 99th St. near Normandie Avenue, in South Los Angeles.

Trotter, who is on probation for grand theft, faces more than 20 years in prison if convicted, according to the District Attorney's Office.

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