Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer

Community Crusader: Willow Glen resident Paula Lee stands in front of the American flag at her home where she discussed the need for a reward fund to help capture sexual predators.




Mayor announces $10,000 reward for child assault case

WG resident initiated effort to provide fund

By Kate Carter

San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales announced on June 13, a $10,000 reward for information about the man who sexually assaulted a 7-year-old San Jose girl as she walked to Gardner Academy.

The reward is the first of the new "Mayor's Safe Families and Neighborhoods Reward Fund," which hopes to provide $100,000 to help police solve difficult cases of crimes against children and families.

The fund was established through efforts of the mayor and city council, police department, community organizations and individuals, specifically Willow Glen resident Paula Lee.

"As a member of the community you feel violated by these crimes also," Lee said. "It was my way of doing something. I'm not sure that it will capture the criminal--I hope to God it does--but it will bring attention to the case."

The still unsolved incident occurred on April 26, as the second-grader walked alone to school at about 8 a.m. Police say a man lured her onto the Guadalupe River bed under the railroad trestle, near the intersection of Willow Street and McLellan Avenue, threatened her with a knife or sharp object and assaulted her, then left on a blue bicycle.

Police arrested a man matching the suspect's description on April 29. He was later cleared by a DNA test. Police spokesman Sgt. Steve Dixon said they are still looking through possible leads, but that the investigation has slowed down .

"We're hoping, with this reward fund, to get some more tips," he said.

Lee, who lives near the crime scene, said she saw police canvassing the neighborhood and asked them if a reward had been established for information about the crime.

They told her there was no reward and put her in touch with Capt. Pete Oliver of the police's community services department. She also began contacting community organizations and talked with Lara Aziz of the YWCA's rape crisis center, who is working with the victim and her family. Together, they tried to build support for a reward.

Lee also contacted District 3 Councilwoman Cindy Chavez, who represents the area where the assault occurred. Chavez spoke to Gonzales about the reward idea. Early last week, Lee said, she learned that the mayor wanted to start a reward fund.

"The mayor's office was able to move a lot faster, in a great way," Aziz said. "This is a lot bigger than what we could have done."

Gonzales announced he would contribute $50,000 of his office budget and asked the community for matching donations.

Jim Tamaino, president of the Police Officers Association, announced that the association would contribute $5,000 to the fund. Chavez said her office would also work to raise funds from the community.

Police Lt. Ken Ferguson, who is helping implement the reward fund, said the reward is intended for children's cases that are stalled. He said the money could encourage people who may hesitate to come forward .

"We want it to be more information than CrimeStoppers anonymity," Ferguson said of the reward program, distinguishing it from the police department's anonymous information hotline. "We're looking for the lead. We're looking for the significant clue that will make the case and we're willing to provide a substantial amount of money for it."



Suspect sketch




Lee said it's important to keep reminding people of the importance of solving such crimes, particularly this one.

"It seems like the case hasn't gotten much attention in the press," she said. "He is a very dangerous person for what he did to this child. I just think that it's very important that she doesn't get forgotten."

Aziz couldn't comment specifically about the child or her family, but was impressed by the strength of the people with whom she works.

"Survivors, in general, are tough," she said. "I've seen amazing courage by a lot of children I've worked with, including this one."

Lee said she was concerned about suggestions that the girl or her parents were somehow at fault for the crime.

"She should be able to walk to school by herself," she said.

Aziz said it is normal for people to try to separate themselves from crime by pointing out poor choices the victims may have made.

"Society has a tendency to blame the victim or blame the parents," she said.

Most crimes are against people who know their attacker, though, she said.

"That doesn't make it any less of a crime," Aziz said. "If a perpetrator wants to commit a crime, (he or she is) going to do it."

Lee said people shouldn't become used to crime in their communities but should work for safer neighborhoods for their children and families.

"The whole city was hurt by this crime," Lee said. "We have to do something. At least by keeping active in it, we stop ourselves from becoming too cynical. These things just shouldn't happen. All it takes for good to happen is for a couple (of) people to get together and do something."

Police describe the suspect as a Hispanic male between 35 and 45 years old, from 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and with a heavy build. The suspect is described as having wavy salt-and-pepper hair, a mustache and beard stubble. He wore gray or faded blue pants, a black tank top and a dark long-sleeve shirt.

Police are asking anyone with information on this case to call Detectives Nick Battaglia or Steve Slack at 408.277.4102, or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 408.277.STOP.

To contribute to the reward fund, send checks to: Mayor's Safe Families and Neighborhoods Reward Fund, San Jose Police Department, 201 W. Mission St., San Jose 95110.

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To donate to or volunteer for the YWCA Rape Crisis Center, call 408.295.4011.

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