A man accused of illegally entering a Santa Monica woman's home and having sex near her while she slept has been charged with a pair of felonies.
Los Angeles County prosecutors on Tuesday charged Anthony Romero, 28, with burglary and one count of indecent exposure and unlawful entry. Romero, who remains in custody, is expected back in court on April 17 for a preliminary hearing.
Anthony Romero, 28, who has a long criminal record, is accused of breaking into a woman's home in Santa Monica 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 February 29, according to Santa Monica police.
He allegedly climbed through an unlocked window, likely by stomping onto the balcony, according to Santa Monica Police Lt. Erika Aklovi.
Romero then walked up to the victim and masturbated while she was sleeping, according to authorities. He did not communicate with the woman, according to Aklovi.
While he was exposing himself, the victim woke up and ordered Romero to leave, according to police. Romero complied when the woman called police. He left the apartment before officers responded to the call.
Police collected security footage, and arrested Romero just before 9:30 a.m. the next day as he walked down Santa Monica Boulevard.
Romero was initially booked on an additional charge of attempted rape, which was dropped.
Romero was on parole in San Bernardino County for a weapons violation. He was arrested in Santa Monica in January 2022 on charges of shoplifting, and last June on charges of public intoxication, resisting arrest and battery on a police officer, according to Aklovi. Police said Romero identified himself to officers as homeless.
