The Cypress Police Department reported the May 11, 2010 arrest of a suspect in a sexual assault case at Cypress College. Robert Daniel Barba, 24, Cypress, was arrested without incident. He was booked at the Cypress Jail on the charges of Sodomy and Sexual Battery. Mr. Barba was later transferred to the Orange County Jail where he is being held on $100,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in Court on June 4, 2010.

Sergeant Tom Bruce reported “On May 10, 2010, Cypress Police were sent to Cypress College reference a female reporting to be a victim of a sexual assault. The alleged assault occurred the week prior on May 6, 2010, at approximately 12:30pm on campus in a restroom. The victim, whose identity is protected under the law, identified the suspect by name. The suspect is a Cypress College student.”

In response to questions from www.OC180NEWS.com, Bruce indicated the victim and defendant were classmates. Bruce also reported the assault happened in “a uni-sex 1 person restroom”.

We asked how the victim became trapped alone with the defendant in a small restroom and Bruce answered the “Victim was coaxed into the restroom.” Bruce would not elaborate further. Although the police do not generally release any information about victims, Bruce told us the victim is an adult.

We also asked Bruce about the delay in reporting of the crime. He indicated “It’s not uncommon for victims of sexual assaults to retreat and feel embarrassed or ashamed about a sexual assault and delay reporting.”

Although the Cypress Police reported “there are no indications there are other victims as this case appears to be an isolated incident”, anyone with information is encouraged to call the Cypress Police Department Criminal Investigations Bureau at (714) 229-6635. Detectives are interested in speaking with anyone who can provide additional information on this or any similar cases.