The NOPD on March 21, 2018 arrested Roberto Conerly (DOB: 01-08-1976) and Ricky Mitchell (DOB: 09-09-1957) in connection with an incident that occurred at the intersection of Royal and Canal streets.

At approximately 4:20 a.m., NOPD Sex Crimes Unit detectives were advised by Eighth District office investigating a reported sexual battery complaint in the area. Detectives met with the victim, who had been transported via EMS to an area hospital. The victim told police that at about 4:20 a.m., she was awaiting the streetcar at the intersection of Royal and Canal streets when two unknown black males took a seat beside her on a bench. One of the males then allegedly asked the victim for a cigarette. The victim said before she could provide the cigarette, the two males allegedly attacked her, punching her in the face with closed fists. The subject identified as Conerly then allegedly sexually assaulted the victim, while the subject identified as Mitchell reportedly continued striking the victim in the face. The victim was observed to have sustained injuries to her face.

In addition to the victim’s statements, detectives also learned that two passerby witnesses reported observing the alleged physical attack and sexual battery of the victim and contacted police. Both of the alleged perpetrators were quickly apprehended, later positively identified by the victim as the perpetrators and subsequently arrested.

Conerly was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for sexual battery and simple battery, while Mitchell was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for simple battery. A booking photo of Mitchell is included with this release. A booking photo of Conerly was not available.

Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact NOPD Sex Crimes Unit at 504-658-5523.