A Santa Monica man has been charged with kidnapping a UCLA student and raping a woman in Culver City in two separate incidents, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.
Alexander William Schecter, 26, faces one felony count each of kidnapping to commit another crime, first-degree residential robbery and forcible rape, along with two felony counts of forcible oral copulation. If convicted as charged, he faces 37 years to life in state prison.
Prosecutors allege Schecter sexually assaulted and raped a woman in Culver City on Oct. 12, 2025, at approximately 3:15 a.m.
Nearly five months later, on March 8, 2026, Schecter allegedly kidnapped a female UCLA student in the 500 block of Landfair Avenue at around 3 a.m. According to prosecutors, Schecter had been dropping off the student and her friend when he prevented her from exiting his vehicle and threatened violence. The student was able to escape the vehicle approximately half a mile away, in the 400 block of Gayley Avenue.
UCLA Police arrested Schecter on March 12, 2026, after identifying him as a suspect in the kidnapping. During that investigation, authorities also identified him as the suspect in the October sexual assault.
The complaint further alleges the October 2025 offenses involved great violence, great bodily harm or the threat thereof, and acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness and callousness. Prosecutors also allege all victims were particularly vulnerable.
“The callous and deeply disturbing actions of the defendant have left three women with unimaginable trauma,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “I want to first recognize the bravery of the victims for coming forward to report what happened to them. Their bravery not only brings us closer to justice but also helps us protect others. I urge anyone else who may have been victimized to come forward: You are not alone, you will be heard, and you will be treated with compassion and respect. Our Sex Crimes Division will vigorously prosecute this case and hold the responsible individual accountable for the harm he caused.”
Schecter's arraignment and bail review hearing has been continued to May 4 in Department 30 of the Airport Courthouse. Bail is currently set at $700,000; prosecutors are seeking to raise it to $1.4 million.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Matthew Bunnett of the Sex Crimes Division. The investigation remains ongoing by the UCLA Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the UCLA Police Department Investigations Division at (310) 825-9371. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.