Four children, ranging in age from just 3 to 12, are at the center of a disturbing criminal investigation in Bridgeport, Connecticut, after police arrested a 45-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting them over several months. Investigators say the alleged attacks happened between June and October at two residential properties in the city.
The suspect, identified as Jose Lopez, was arrested early Friday morning, November 13, at his home on Hallett Street. The arrest followed an investigation by the Bridgeport Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, with assistance from its Fugitive Unit and Patrol Division. Authorities named the operation “Operation Cola,” a reference to Lopez’s street name.
According to investigators, the four children were allegedly targeted in Bridgeport’s North End and East Side neighborhoods. Police identified two locations connected to the case: Lopez’s home on Hallett Street and another residence on Trumbull Avenue, where members of his family live.
Some of the children reportedly told investigators that Lopez offered them money and gifts to help him with lawn-cutting work. Police said Lopez told them he went door to door cutting grass. Investigators allege that the offers were used to gain the children’s trust before the reported sexual assaults took place.
Other children reportedly told authorities that Lopez forced them to watch pornography. The allegations have added to the seriousness of the investigation, which involves several felony charges and four young victims.
Lopez was arrested on an active felony warrant carrying multiple charges. They include four counts of risk of injury or impairing the morals of a minor, four counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and three counts of illegal sexual contact with a minor. He also faces three counts of enticing a minor, two counts of threatening and charges of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint and commercial sexual abuse involving an agreement to pay for sexual acts.
The case has also brought attention to Lopez’s criminal history. Police said he was convicted of illegal sexual contact in a Bridgeport case in 2005. He served prison time following that conviction and was placed on the Sex Offender Registry for a period of time.
After his arrest, Lopez was taken to police headquarters for processing before being brought to court for arraignment. His bond was set at $2 million.
The charges against Lopez remain allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.