An Encino man was charged Friday with assaulting or groping five women in the San Fernando Valley this year, including two real estate agents during open houses.
Alen Karaboghosian, 45, is set to be arraigned Friday afternoon in a Van Nuys courtroom on one felony count of assault with intent to commit rape and four misdemeanor counts of sexual battery.
Karaboghosian allegedly attacked a real estate agent in Encino last Sunday after she showed him a home that was listed for sale, according to Deputy District Attorney Brendan Sullivan. The defendant allegedly pushed the woman to the ground in an attempt to sexually assault her,
Investigators identified Karaboghosian as the suspect as a result of “critical information received from the public” after security video of the attack was released, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Karaboghosian is also accused of groping another real estate agent during an open house and three other women on public streets in four previous incidents dating back to February, according to the prosecutor.
Plainclothes investigators from the LAPD’s Gang and Narcotics Division participated in a surveillance operation that led to Karaboghosian’s arrest at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. He could face up to eight years in state prison if he is convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
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