By Jorge Casuso
April 7, 2026 -- A 27-year-old Santa Monica man has been charged with kidnapping a UCLA student in March and raping another woman in Culver City last October, County prosecutors announced Monday.
Alexander William Schecter faces one felony count each of kidnapping to commit another crime and first-degree residential robbery; two felony counts of forcible oral copulation and one felony count of forcible rape.
The October rape "involved great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness and callousness," the LA County District Attorney's Office said.
Prosecutors allege the victims were "particularly vulnerable."
“The callous and deeply disturbing actions of the defendant have left two women with unimaginable trauma,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.
“I want to first recognize the bravery of the victims for coming forward to report what happened to them. Their bravery not only brings us closer to justice but also helps us protect others."
Prosecutors allege that on March 8, at approximately 3 a.m., Schecter kidnapped a female UCLA student in the 500 block of Landfair Avenue, a street near campus that a map search shows is lined with student housing.
"Schecter was allegedly dropping off the student in the area when he allegedly prevented her from exiting his vehicle and threatened violence," the DA's Office said.
"The student was able to exit the vehicle approximately half a mile away on the 400 block of Gayley Avenue."
On March 12, at 9:16 a.m., UCLA Police arrested Schecter after identifying him as the suspect in the kidnapping. He was booked shortly after noon at LAPD Valley Jail in Van Nuys, according to LA County inmate records.
Bail was set at $100,000, and Schecter was released that night on bond, the records show.
During the investigation, Schecter was identified as the suspect in the October 12, 2025 sexual assault and rape that took place at around 3:15 a.m. in Culver City, prosecutors said. He was arrested on March 20, according to County inmate records.
His arraignment and bail review hearing was continued to May 4, in Department 30 of the Airport Courthouse, prosecutors said. Bail remains set at $700,000.
"The prosecution will ask the Court to set bail at $1.4 million," the DA's office said.
If convicted as charged, Schecter faces 37 years to life in state prison.
UCLA police Detectives believe Schecter could be involved in other sexual assaults and are seeking potential victims.
"I urge anyone else who may have been victimized to come forward," Hochman said. "You are not alone, you will be heard, and you will be treated with compassion and respect.
"Our Sex Crimes Division will vigorously prosecute this case and hold the responsible individual accountable for the harm he caused.”
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Matthew Bunnett of the Sex Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the UCLA Police Department.
Anyone who may have been a victim or has additional information regarding Alexander Schecter should contact the Investigations Division at the UCLA Police Department at (310) 825-9371.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800 222-8477) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.