The Santa Cruz Police Department arrested this guy for a series of sexual
assaults where the victims were heavily intoxicated at the time of the
assault.
James Sharp - 36 Years Old, Santa Cruz Resident
Mr. Sharp would meet his
victims in local bars, while targeting women who were heavily intoxicated. He would take advantage of the
victim’s intoxicated state and eventually have sex with them while they were
blacked out, or too intoxicated to give consent.
Outstanding Detective work led to Mr. Sharp's initial arrest on May 9, 2014 for a case that was
reported to SCPD on May 6, 2014 (Case #14S-03563).
Information on his arrest was withheld until now because we needed to do some extensive follow up investigation, and we could not release his photos until that work was completed.
During the initial arrest, SCPD Detectives also served a search
warrant on Mr. Sharp’s residence in the 800 block of California Street. Evidence was obtained that connected Mr.
Sharp to additional victims. Mr. Sharp
collected trophies in remembrance of his victims that included photos or
personal items.
While analyzing the evidence seized, our Detectives immediately
recognized another victim depicted in photos.
That victim had reported a sexual assault, with extremely limited
suspect information. This victim was
assaulted after having blacked out while in Mr. Sharp’s company. This was reported to SCPD on April 21, 2014
(Case #14S-03125). The victim in this
case had since moved out of the Santa Cruz area.
Detectives located this victim and confirmed the identity of Mr. Sharp
as the suspect in this case. Based on
this investigation, SCPD Detectives developed cause to arrest Mr. Sharp on the
second case.
Mr. Sharp was out of custody after having posted bail on his first
case. On May 24, 2014, Mr. Sharp was
located in a local bar and arrested by SCPD officers. Upon this second arrest, detectives requested
a bail increase for Mr. Sharp. The
Honorable Judge Gallagher did the right thing and approved a bail increase to $5 million. Mr. Sharp was booked into Santa Cruz County
Jail on the second case.
Detectives are working to identify additional victims in this
case. We believe there are more victims
who have not come forward with reports.
We are encouraging any victims to come forward and report any assaults
involving Mr. Sharp. SCPD is committed
to resolving the cases and providing care for the victims of these crimes.
Here is the reality check in all of this........Unfortunately, Mr. Sharp’s method of operation is a fact pattern too
often reported to SCPD. Everyone likes to think they "can handle it" when out drinking at a party or bar, BUT.....In these
situations females report being victimized after drinking to the point where
they pass out and/or black out and are unable to adequately care for
themselves.
It goes without saying that in these circumstances they are extremely vulnerable and oftentimes
cannot recall details of the attack. These
are incredibly difficult cases to solve, as oftentimes there is little or no suspect
information or evidence.
California
Penal Code Section 261specifically addresses cases of sexual assault where the
victim is too intoxicated to give constructive consent and/or unconscious of
the act.
The Santa Cruz Police Department encourages responsible alcohol
consumption and recommends traveling not only with a designated driver, but also a good quality "wing-man" when
planning to drink.
Please, please, please.....Protect yourself and be smart.
