Current News Headlines: California Man Claiming To Be Social Media Influencer To Force Himself On Women Charged
A Southern California man identified as Omar Talley, 22, who claims to be a social media influencer, is accused of raping multiple women. The police are now asking for the public’s help in locating possible additional victims in the case.
Talley has been charged with three counts of rape with multiple victims, two counts of oral copulation and a count of forcible acts of sexual penetration, according to a Los Angeles Police Department news release. The police say the suspect who moved to the San Fernando Valley from New Jersey a few years ago, claims to be a model, a nightclub promoter and social media influencer.
According to LAPD, Talley frequented clubs in the Hollywood and West Hollywood area, where he would befriend women in their early 20s and gain their trust. Detective Wes Potter called these areas Talley’s “hunting ground,” adding that the suspect is “personable” and “comfortable approaching women.” The clubs were identified as Nightingale Plaza, Warwick and Highlight Room. It’s gathered that Talley would then allegedly order a ride-hailing service to take himself and the young women to his home in the 6600 block of Valjean Avenue, or nearby locations for an “after party.” Once there, Talley is accused of sexually assaulting the victims.
The first alleged assault Talley is charged with took place on Feb. 2 at Talley’s home, while the second occurred on April 4 at a Hollywood-area after party. In the last incident, on July 11, a victim escaped and immediately called police, who responded to her location. An investigation revealed that Talley forced the woman to perform sexual acts, physically assaulted her and said degrading words to her during the attack, police said.
The police were eventually able to locate Talley that night and take him into custody after the victim identified him. Investigators were able to connect the other two assaults to Talley after his arrest, according to Detective Katherine Gosser. Authorities allege that Talley, who was deemed a “predator,” would appear charming just before trying to have sex with his victims, then would change his demeanor and force the sexual acts against the victims’ will.
It’s understood Talley was active on social media platforms and may have communicated with potential victims through those means. LAPD officials have not taken down those accounts, Gosser said.
Public records show the suspect was arrested July 11 and charged on July 15. He is being held on $1.6 million bail and he is due in court on Friday.
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