Man pretending to be officer sexually assaults woman, police say

A 28-year-old man allegedly pretending to be a police officer conducted a fake prostitution “sting operation� to sexually assault and rob a woman, authorities said Tuesday.

Wesley Robert Stepp was arrested in connection with an incident Saturday at an El Segundo hotel, police said.

The victim arranged to meet Stepp through a website, police said. Stepp is accused of flashing a police badge, telling the woman he was an officer and taking her into a hotel room.

“Once inside the room, he handcuffed and sexually assaulted the victim before taking cash and property and fleeing with a second suspect,� El Segundo Police Department officials said in a statement.

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the second suspect. He is described as African American, about 6 feet 1 and about 170 pounds, police said. He is between 25 and 30, is bald and has a goatee.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Humphrey at (310) 524-2253.

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