A man accused of breaking into a Santa Monica woman's home and performing a sex act near her while she slept has been charged with a pair of felonies.
Los Angeles County prosecutors on Tuesday charged Anthony Romero, 28, with one count of robbery and one count of indecent exposure and criminal trespass. Romero, who remains in custody, is expected to return to court on April 17 for a preliminary hearing.
Anthony Romero, 28, who has a long criminal history, faces charges for allegedly breaking into a Santa Monica woman's home and masturbating next to her while she slept.
(Santa Monica Police Department)
Romero allegedly entered the 2nd Street apartment at 2:10 a.m. on Feb. 29, according to Santa Monica police.
He allegedly climbed through an open window, likely stepping onto a porch, according to Santa Monica Police Lt. Erika Aklufi.
Romero then approached the victim and masturbated while she was sleeping, according to authorities. According to Aklufi, he did not contact the woman.
While exposing himself, the victim woke up and ordered Romero to leave, according to police. Romero obeyed while the woman called the police. He left the apartment before officers responded to the call.
The security footage was collected by police, who arrested Romero just before 9:30 a.m. the next day as he walked along Santa Monica Boulevard.
Romero was initially charged with an additional charge of attempted rape, which was dropped.
Romero was on probation in San Bernardino County for a weapons violation. He had been arrested in Santa Monica in January 2022 for shoplifting and last June for public intoxication, resisting arrest and assault on a police officer, according to Aklufi. Police said Romero identified himself to officers as a homeless person.
