0712-006 Man Arrested for Sexually-Motivated Coercion

City of North Las Vegas sent this bulletin at 07/25/2012 02:55 PM PDT

CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS 

POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE, Joseph Chronister 

SENDER: Officer Chrissie Coon, PIO 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/25/12 

 

SUBJECT: Man Arrested for Sexually-Motivated Coercion, Case 12-13151 

 

North Las Vegas, NV - Detectives are investigating a report that a 59-year-old Las Vegas man attempted to coerce a woman into committing sex acts in lieu of community service hours.  

   

The investigation began on July 22, 2012 when a 24-year-old North Las Vegas woman reported that she contacted SafeNest, a local non-profit agency, to arrange to work off her court-ordered community service hours. She reported to the SafeNest Donation Center at 4208 Arcata Way, in North Las Vegas, to discuss her duties. During the discussion, Benedetto (Ben) Vitale a representative from SafeNest, allegedly attempted to coerce her into committing sex acts in exchange for signing off on her work hours.  

 

On July 24, 2012, Detectives arrested Benedetto (Ben) Vitale on one count each of open and gross lewdness, forgery, and sexually-motivated coercion, all related to the incident two days prior.  See attached booking photo. 

 

Vitale reportedly has worked for SafeNest for about eight years and held the position of Director of Operations at the time of the arrest. Detectives are investigating the possibility that additional victims may exist.

 

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is urged to call the North Las Vegas Police Department at (702) 633-9111 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555. Tips leading to an arrest or an indictment called into Crime Stoppers may result in a cash reward.

 

For further information, contact:

Public Communications Office

North Las Vegas Police Department

1301 East Lake Mead Blvd