OCC student faces sexual battery, lewd conduct charges

COSTA MESA — An Orange Coast College student is due in court for a pre-trial hearing Wednesday on charges of sexual battery and lewd conduct.

Brendan Douglas Copley, 20, of Costa Mesa, pleaded not guilty Thursday to one count of touching an intimate part of another person and two counts of lewd conduct in a public place, according to Orange County Superior Court records.

According to Costa Mesa police, Copley approached a female student on the OCC campus Feb. 8 and asked to have sex with her. When she refused and walked away, he followed her and continued pressuring her, police said.

He reportedly then lifted up her dress. When the student yelled at Copley, he grabbed her buttocks and crotch area. As she called out for help, he fled the scene, police said.

He was arrested Feb. 15. Copley was released Friday on $100,000 bail.

Police said Copley is suspected of propositioning another OCC student, and may have been spotted at Vanguard University asking female students personal questions and following them to their classes.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information can call Det. Carlos Diaz at (714) 754-5097.

—Alexandra Baird