Full Notification

On February 27, 2013, Gardena Police Detectives arrested Corey Delaine Stewart for a rape that occurred on September 28, 2012 in the City of Gardena. Stewart is a 40 year old African American Male, 5’9”, 265lbs and resides in the City of Redondo Beach.

Stewart was initially identified as a suspect through the use of DNA evidence. The victim has identified Stewart as the person who assaulted her. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office charged Stewart with rape and he is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Stewart had befriended the female victim on a social network site called “Tagged.com” After communicating with the victim for several weeks, she agreed to meet Stewart, under the belief that he was setting her up with a job interview.

Once in Stewart’s vehicle, he drove the victim to a residential neighborhood in Gardena and raped the victim at gun point. The victim described Stewart’s vehicle as an early 2000 model black Ford Explorer.

According to the victim, the car was set up so that the passenger could not exit. The door handles and locking devices were disabled. The victim also described the front passenger seat as being able to recline to a fully flat position.

Detectives are also working on the possibility that Stewart might have an accomplice using the same vehicle to commit similar crimes. The Gardena Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying additional victims who might recognize Stewart’s description and methods.

If you are a victim or have information that can assist in this investigation, please contact Detective Michael Ross at (310) 217-9635.