Santa Monica police arrested a 72-year-old registered sex offender and are asking the public to help identify additional victims.
Michael Greenwald, a Calabasas resident, faces one count of felony indecent exposure after he allegedly exposed himself to an employee at a women's clothing store in Santa Monica on Saturday, Aug. 29. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed the charge on Sept. 8 under California Penal Code Section 314(1), which applies to repeat offenders.
The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) said Greenwald entered the store around 3 p.m. and told an employee he needed to try on women's clothing for a television show he was filming. While trying on clothing, he allegedly exposed his genitals and buttocks to a female employee. He left without buying anything.
The employee reported the incident to SMPD the following day, Sunday, Aug. 30.
Detectives reviewed footage of the suspect's vehicle, which led to Greenwald's identification and arrest on Sept. 4, according to the department. Investigators also served a search warrant at his residence and recovered evidence related to the case. SMPD did not specify what evidence was found.
Greenwald is a registered sex offender with prior convictions for similar conduct, the department said. He is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and 180 pounds, with brown hair. The department released the physical description to help potential victims identify him.
It is not known whether Greenwald has retained an attorney. No public statement has been made on his behalf.
SMPD published its call for additional victims on Thursday, Sept. 17, through its official social media accounts and a city press release. Westside Current also reported on the arrest.
No arraignment or court date has been publicly announced.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of similar conduct involving Greenwald can contact Detective Carlos Madrid at 424-280-0133 or [email protected], or Sgt. George Burciaga at 310-458-8952 or [email protected].
