2nd Man Arrested in Home Invasion, Rapes and Robbery

Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a second man in connection with a home invasion robbery in Lancaster in which four women were raped, officials said Monday.

Deputies arrested Richard Nieto, 28, of Palmdale, at a bar in Lancaster on Sunday night, authorities said.

Lt. Thomas Pigott said deputies now doubt that the man arrested more than a week ago was involved in the Jan. 19 attack at a Lancaster apartment. Although deputies have not yet decided to release Jeffrey Allen Smith, 29, Pigott said, “It’s looking more and more like [Smith] was not involved.”

Pigott said deputies are still seeking a second gunman in the attack, which began as a follow-home robbery. The victims had attended a nightclub and returned to an apartment at 1:30 a.m. The gunmen burst through an unlocked door, raped all four women and stole cash and jewelry before leaving several hours later.