Police Seek Help in Sexual Assault Case

Authorities are seeking help from anyone who may have had contact with a Camarillo man recently arrested on suspicion of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman after posing as a photographer.

Ventura County sheriff’s deputies say they already have spoken with some women who say they were approached by Stephen Surwin Sargent.

Deputies also said they found photos of other women in nude and semi-nude poses at Sargent’s house at 256 Camino Toluca.

Deputies arrested Sargent at his Camarillo home April 21 on suspicion of administering drugs to a 21-year-old woman and then sexually assaulting her.

Sargent posted $3,000 bail and was released from Ventura County Jail. An April 28 arraignment date was continued to May 14.

The 36-year-old Sargent--described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 165 pounds with brown eyes, sandy gray hair and hair plugs--approaches women and hands them a business card that reads “Jeanne D’Arc Productions,” Sheriff’s Det. Leslie Robertson said.

Sargent then tells women who have modeling aspirations that he will help them start their careers, Robertson said.

“The impression is that he was using this as a ruse,” she said. “We haven’t found any evidence that he was a commercial photographer.”

Investigators found photographs of the victim and small amounts of what is believed to be a controlled substance.

An analysis of the substance is expected to be available next week.

“We want to caution women not to accept a drink, even from a friend, unless they mix it themselves,” Robertson said.

“I wouldn’t even accept an open can or beverage at a party or anywhere else.

“And if you need to have your photo taken, always take someone with you and let someone else know where you’re going,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Robertson at 654-2654.