May 2, 2025
Media Relations Division
213-257-2000
media@da.lacounty.gov
District Attorney Hochman Announces Sex Crime Charges in MTA Bus Assault, Attempted Armed Robbery
Edgar Zepeda faces 15 years to life plus four years and six months in state prison if convicted as charged
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced charges today against an 18-year-old man for attempting to rob then sexually assaulting a woman at knifepoint on a Los Angeles Metro bus traveling between East Hollywood and Southwest Los Angeles.
“The brutal attack of a woman on public transportation — where she should have felt safe — is both deplorable and unacceptable,” said District Attorney Hochman. “No one in Los Angeles County should have to live in fear while riding a bus, walking down the street, or simply going about their daily lives. My office is committed to holding criminals fully accountable for their violent acts.”
Edgar Javier Zepeda (dob 8/6/06) is charged in case 25CJCF02415 with one count of forcible oral copulation; one count of attempted first-degree robbery of a transit passenger; and one count of sexual battery. It is further alleged that the defendant used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a knife, during the commission of the offenses.
Zepeda was arraigned today and pleaded not guilty. After a bail hearing, the Court set bail per schedule at $1.15 million.
A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for May 15 in Dept. 35 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. on April 12 in the vicinity of the University of Southern California. Zepeda allegedly fled the bus at a stop near Exposition Park.
If convicted as charged, Zepeda faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life plus four years and six months in state prison and must register as a sex offender for life.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Marlene Martinez of the Sex Crimes Division and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Southwest Division.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the LAPD at 323-390-2976. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
LAPD released video here.
The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.