Preliminary Hearing Set for Suspects Arrested in Connection with Sexual Assault of a Minor

A preliminary hearing date is set for two Los Angeles men arrested by Culver City Police on July 9 in connection with a sexual assault of a minor. The hearing will take place July 26 at 8:30 a.m. at the Airport Courthouse.

The alleged sexual assault ended in Culver City but began in Venice Beach, on July 5.

Gilberto Reyes-Martinez and Fernando Sernas, both 29, were arrested by Culver City police and both were formally charged by the District Attorney's Office after detectives took them into custody, said Lt. Ron Iizuka of the Culver City Police Department.

Lt. Iizuka said police responded to the LAPD Pacific Division station to meet with the victim of a sexual assault that was believed to have occurred in Culver City. However, it was discovered during the interview that the initial crime began in the Venice Beach area and ended in Culver City.

Scanner reports at around noon on Thurs. July 5 stated a 13-year-old girl had entered the LAPD Pacific Division station requesting an ambulance and stating that she had been raped.

Patch spoke with Lt. Iizuka late Monday evening who confirmed that the victim in the case was a minor.

Culver City Police stated during the course of the investigation Culver City detectives were able to identify two suspects that were involved in the crime, which led to their arrest Monday.

Patch will bring you more details as they become available.