Detectives arrested 54-year-old James Earl Britt on suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor, the Long Beach Police Department announced Wednesday.
Sex crime detectives began investigating a reported sexual assault in February in which a man in a silver 2005 Volvo coerced a 16-year-old girl into his car near Pacific Coast Highway and Temple Avenue. The man drove the girl to another location and coerced her to perform sexual acts before dropping her off at a third location.
During the investigation, detectives identified Britt as the suspect in a similar incident involving a 17-year-old girl, which occurred in May 2018. Britt was driving a white Mercedes sedan during this incident, according to LBPD.
Britt was booked on two counts of oral copulation with a minor, two counts of sexual battery and two counts of annoying or molesting a minor, according to a press release. Bail was set at $100,000.
Detectives will present the case to the district attorney’s office for filing consideration later this week.
According to LBPD, Britt has access to several other vehicles and department believes there could be more victims. Detectives are encouraging other victims to come forward by calling 562-570-7368.
Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-8477, on the “P3 Tips” app or at www.lacrimestoppers.org.