Neighbors React To Sex Assault Allegations With Apartment Maintenance Worker
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4)- An apartment maintenance worker remains behind bars after he was accused of sexually assaulting at least one girl living in a complex in Lakewood. The suspect also has been accused of assaulting a child in Arvada.
"It's disgusting," said neighbor Alex Haberkorn after learning of the alleged sex assault on his 8-year-old neighbor.
According to police, Angel Gavino Alcaraz, 57, is believed to have assaulted the girl at an apartment complex on Miller Court in Lakewood where the girl lives and he does maintenance. The alleged assault happened in June.
The investigation revealed that Alcaraz previously had done similar maintenance work at the Terrace Park Apartments in Arvada where police arrested him for a similar crime.
"They were working the case and became aware that there was a similar case in Arvada with the same suspect," Steve Davis with Lakewood police said. "Lakewood and Arvada began to compare notes and there were so many similarities that it really established a pattern."
Both properties are owned by Crane Properties and the owner admits he did not do a background check on Alcaraz.
Police said Alcaraz gave the 8-year-old girl and her 7-year-old brother candy. The child told detectives that Alcaraz asked the boy to leave, then unzipped his pants and "did some gross stuff to me."
After he told the child that what happened "was their secret."
"I can't see how anybody would do that to a child. It's horrifying," said Haberkorn.
Alcaraz has been convicted of molesting a child in 1991. Police believe there could be more victims.
Alcaraz is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 23.
Additional Information From Lakewood Police
Anyone who feels they may have information that would assist in the investigation and/or regarding Alcaraz is asked to contact Lakewood Police Detective Jennifer Moore at 303-987-7224.
