News
Joshua Bassi Teen Sex For Dope
Published: Jan 28, 2004 - 12:04 AM
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- More alleged victims have come forward in a suspected drugs-for-sex scheme involving teenage girls. Bail was increased Tuesday from $250,000 to $1.25 million for suspect Joshua Bassi. Bassi rents homes on his 14-acre property in Ben Lomond. The investigation began when he reportedly pointed a gun at a 17-year-old tenant. When police got involved, they uncovered allegations of sex with teenage girls.
Former renters on Bassi's property tell similar stories of drugs, sex and underage girls.
"One night, he actually had two 13-year-olds and a 13-year-old. I was at work, but my girlfriend was there. He got them so drunk that they blacked out ... and he was, like, trying to have sex with them," former tenant Sarah Schira said.
Shira and others, who did not want be identified, told Action News the alleged incidents happened in Bassi's home and in two trailers on his property.
Investigators said they believe Bassi may have been trading drugs for sex with teens for a year or more.
"We're alleging that Mr. Bassi was a teen predator. He would use marijuana as a lure to get teens to come over to his house and he would commit sex acts on them or various other people that he had at his house," Santa Cruz County Assistant District Attorney Steve Moore said.
Neighbors said Bassi would lure teenage girls from San Lorenzo Junior High School. The school said as yet, no victims have come forward, although they are cooperating with authorities.
Investigators said more arrests are possible -- including friends and acquaintances of Bassi who may also be involved.
Bassi's next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 9.
"One night, he actually had two 13-year-olds and a 13-year-old. I was at work, but my girlfriend was there. He got them so drunk that they blacked out ... and he was, like, trying to have sex with them," former tenant Sarah Schira said.
Shira and others, who did not want be identified, told Action News the alleged incidents happened in Bassi's home and in two trailers on his property.
Investigators said they believe Bassi may have been trading drugs for sex with teens for a year or more.
"We're alleging that Mr. Bassi was a teen predator. He would use marijuana as a lure to get teens to come over to his house and he would commit sex acts on them or various other people that he had at his house," Santa Cruz County Assistant District Attorney Steve Moore said.
Neighbors said Bassi would lure teenage girls from San Lorenzo Junior High School. The school said as yet, no victims have come forward, although they are cooperating with authorities.
Investigators said more arrests are possible -- including friends and acquaintances of Bassi who may also be involved.
Bassi's next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 9.
