South Lake Tahoe security guard accused of using job to sexually assault women, police say
A South Lake Tahoe man was arrested in Nevada on Monday, accused of sexually assaulting multiple women using his position as a security guard over a number of years, the police department said. Investigators also believe there could be more victims.
South Lake Tahoe police said between 2016 and 2023, 79-year-old Gilbert Avila used his position as a private security guard to approach his victims and sexually assault them.
Officials said Avila would be dressed in his work uniform and driving a marked security vehicle when he would approach women walking at night along South Lake Tahoe roadways. He would offer assistance to the women, who were often intoxicated or vulnerable, and after gaining their trust, he would pursue unwanted sexual contact.
Avila is in custody and awaiting extradition to California.
South Lake Tahoe police believe there could be additional victims because many sexual assaults go unreported.
"National statistics show that more than two out of three sexual assaults go unreported," the police department said in a news release. "Our department is committed to treating survivors with compassion and dignity, and we want them to know they are not alone."
Officials have not said how many reported sexual assaults were linked to Avila.
Tips can be made by emailing cybertips@cityofslt.us.
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