Man solicited sex from wife of kidnapped man, while posing as a cop

Orange County District Attorney, Press Release
For Immediate Release, Case # 12CF1798: July 9, 2013

MAN WHO POSED AS POLICE OFFICER CONVICTED OF KIDNAPPING TO EXTORT VICTIM TO HAVE SEX WITH VICTIM’S WIFE

SANTA ANA – A man was convicted today of kidnapping a victim by posing as a police officer and soliciting sex with the victim’s wife in exchange for the victim’s freedom. Tariq Ibrahim Musa, 33, Santa Ana, was found guilty today, July 9, 2013, by a jury of one felony count of kidnapping to commit a sex offense, and one felony count of kidnapping for extortion. He faces a maximum sentence of seven years to life in state prison at his sentencing Aug. 23, 2013, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-34, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

On April 3, 2009, Musa approached 22-year-old Gerardo P. in the parking lot of El Matate Market on First Street in Santa Ana, where the victim was selling counterfeit CD’s. Musa posed as a police officer, showed Gerardo P. a security badge, and told the victim he was under arrest for illegally selling CD’s. The defendant then forced the victim to hand over his personal items including his wallet, which had a photo of Gerardo P.’s wife and small child. Musa instructed Gerardo P. to get into the defendant’s Nissan Altima. Once in the vehicle, Musa used the built in radio in his car and further pretended to be a police officer calling in the arrest.

Musa then told the victim that his wife was beautiful and was willing to let the victim go free if Musa could have an hour alone with Gerardo P.’s wife. The defendant threatened the victim that, if he refused, he would have to serve 10 years in federal prison before being deported from California to Mexico. Musa drove to the victim’s apartment and instructed Gerardo P. to bring him the victim’s wife.

Once inside the apartment and temporarily away from Musa, the victim told his wife and family relatives what was happening. One of the family members called 911 to report the kidnapping and extortion. The Santa Ana Police Department arrived at the location and arrested Musa that day. Gerardo P.’s belongings were found inside Musa’s vehicle at the time of the arrest.

Deputy District Attorney Bradley Schoenleben is prosecuting this case.

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Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney
401 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder
Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Farrah Emami
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Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486

Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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