Man Arrested Nearly a Decade After Masked Sexual Assault in Simi Valley

Ricardo Jimenez-Garcia, 39, has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault that occurred in Simi Valley nearly a decade ago. Authorities announced the arrest of Jimenez-Garcia last month for his alleged involvement in a knife-point rape that took place in the early morning hours of September 21, 2017.

According to investigators, Jimenez-Garcia and several other men reportedly wore masks resembling the Ghostface killer from the "Scream" horror franchise to conceal their identities. The group allegedly attacked a woman as she walked along Galena Avenue around 4 a.m.

Following the assault, the suspects fled the scene. The victim contacted 911, and an investigation was initiated by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. However, the case eventually went cold.

Nearly nine years after the incident, investigators identified Jimenez-Garcia as a suspect and took him into custody. Jail records indicate he is being held at the Ventura County Main Jail and is scheduled for a court appearance on November 18.

Jimenez-Garcia faces multiple felony charges, including forcible rape while acting in concert, sodomy by acting in concert with force, unlawful sexual intercourse, second-degree robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon. Information regarding bail has not been made public.

Jail records list Jimenez-Garcia's birthplace as Mexico and his occupation as "polisher." Anyone with further information regarding the case is encouraged to contact Ventura County District Investigator Yumi Kirk at (805) 477-1638. Senior Deputy District Attorney Emily Reber is prosecuting the case.