Los Angeles, California – A man accused of assaulting a young child before breaking into a 63-year-old woman’s home in west Los Angeles, where he physically and sexually attacked her, entered a plea of not guilty on Thursday to charges in the case. Ishmail Bangura, 33, allegedly assaulted a child at an apartment complex in the Sawtelle neighborhood on February 27 before proceeding to break into the woman’s residence.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Bangura faces charges including assault to commit forcible rape during a first-degree residential burglary and child abuse likely to cause great bodily injury or death. The charges were announced by the District Attorney’s Office on the same day Bangura pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, with a bail set at $2 million pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 25.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman condemned the violence perpetrated against children and older adults, labeling it as reprehensible and unacceptable. The attack involved Bangura physically assaulting the woman inside her home before sexually assaulting her outside the residence until neighbors intervened and apprehended him.
The survivor of the brutal attack, identified as Cherie Harter, recounted her terrifying ordeal of being trapped by Bangura inside her home, where he threatened and physically assaulted her. Witnesses, including construction workers and other Good Samaritans, rushed to her aid upon hearing her screams for help, leading to Bangura’s capture by law enforcement.
Prosecutors highlighted the severity of the charges against Bangura, citing special allegations of inflicting great bodily harm during the offenses and displaying a high level of cruelty. Harter, who sustained physical injuries requiring medical attention, emphasized the emotional toll of the assault, calling for justice against her attacker to prevent further harm to others.
Despite undergoing 10 stitches for a head wound and sustaining bruises and cuts, Harter expressed the importance of holding Bangura accountable to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals in the community. The DA’s office emphasized the potential sentencing enhancements due to the violent nature of Bangura’s conduct, indicating a serious threat to society.
Harter’s resilience and determination to seek justice served as a testament to the community’s solidarity in condemning such heinous acts and standing up against violence targeting the most vulnerable members of society. The ongoing legal proceedings aim to bring closure and a sense of security to the affected individuals while sending a strong message against future acts of violence and abuse.