District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman continued his crime-fighting yesterday, announcing charges against two men in separate incidents.
In the first incident, the DA’s office charged Ernesto Sepulveda, 26, with shooting at two Los Angeles police officers, injuring one of them, near Exposition Park this past Saturday.
“We are thankful that the two officers targeted in this brazen and unprovoked attack survived this terrifying encounter,” said Hochman. “I will not tolerate any act of violence toward those sworn to protect us.”
The incident unfolded on July 5, when the two officers attempted to question the Sepilveda, who was riding a bicycle with what appeared to be a gun in his pocket. Within a few seconds, Sepulveda allegedly pulled out a gun and fired at the officers, striking one of them in the leg.
Soon after, two additional officers caught the man as he fled and recovered a gun with no serial number – commonly referred to as a ghost gun.
Sepulveda was charged with two felony counts, each of premeditated attempted murder of a police officer, and one felony count of carrying an unregistered loaded handgun. He pleaded not guilty at his July 9 and remains in custody.
If convicted as charged, Sepulveda faces a possible maximum sentence of 75 years to life in state prison.
In the second incident, Alvin Marbra, 29, of Long Beach was charged with two forcible sex crimes and one hate crime on a crime spress occurring from April to July 2025 involving violently raping a woman in Long Beach, attempting to rape a woman in Santa Monica, and attacking a man in Long Beach as part of a hate crime.
“The details of this series of attacks are incredibly disturbing,” said Hochman. “My office will pursue every legal avenue to hold the perpetrator fully accountable for these appalling acts. “I thank the Long Beach Police Department for apprehending the suspect and encourage any additional victims to come forward as we seek justice.”
On April 4, Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica. He is charged with one felony count of assault with the intent to commit a forcible rape with the special allegation that he inflicted great bodily injury during the commission of this crime.
Then on June 30, Marbra allegedly attacked a 26-year-old man at approximately 11:30 p.m. near Orange Avenue and Fourth Street in of Long Beach. He is charged with one felony count of battery with the special allegation that the act was a hate crime.
On July 1, Marbra allegedly raped a 61-year-old woman at approximately 2:30 a.m. near Alamitos Avenue and Fifth Street in Long Beach. He is charged with one felony count of forcible rape with the special allegations that he kidnapped the victim and inflicted great bodily injury during the commission of this crime.
Marbra was previously convicted in 2021 of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida.
Bail was set at $1.275 million and Marbra remains in custody. If convicted, he faces 25 years plus 55 years to life in state prison. He would be required to register as a sex offender for life and would be prohibited from possessing firearms.
Hochman urges residents to report anonymous crime tips through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to a smartphone, or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.
