Second Suspect Arrested in Care Facility Abuse Case


. By Lucy Campbell

Detectives in Los Angeles have arrested a second suspect who they believe was assaulted mentally and physically handicapped women while working at a residential care facility in 2007.

Twenty-seven year old Ernie Lloyd, of Los Angeles, reportedly took himself in to a Hollywood police station saying he had seen himself on the news and knew he was wanted.

The assaults were videotaped. They were sent into the police by an anonymous tipster who said a customer purchased a laptop on the streets of Inglewood and brought it to him to wipe the hard drive. Before doing so, he copied the videos and gave them to authorities.

Using those tapes the police were able to develop photos and artist sketches of four men they believe perpetrated the sexual assaults. Investigators believe as many as 10 suspects could be involved. Police have also identified 42-year-old Bert Hicks, who is serving time at Tehachapi State Prison on two felony sex counts and two abuse counts. He is reportedly scheduled for release in 2012. Hicks also worked at a care facility in Los Angeles.


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