Police Arrested Registered Sex Offender in Santa Monica
A Calabasas man faces a felony indecent exposure charge after an incident at a local retail store.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Authorities arrested 72-year-old Michael Greenwald on September 4 following an August 29 indecent exposure incident in Santa Monica. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office subsequently filed a felony count against the registered sex offender.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing legal consequences for repeat offenders who violate public safety protocols. Prosecutors are leveraging Greenwald's history of similar conduct to pursue felony charges for this latest incident.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed one felony count of indecent exposure against 72-year-old Michael Greenwald. He remains a registered sex offender following previous arrests and a 2012 license revocation.
The players
Michael Greenwald
The 72-year-old Calabasas resident is a registered sex offender with a documented history of indecent exposure arrests.
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
This agency serves as the primary prosecutor for felony crimes occurring within the county's jurisdiction.
The details
Greenwald allegedly entered a clothing store claiming to be a television producer before exposing himself to an employee while in a fitting room. He has previously admitted to committing similar acts of indecent exposure in retail stores on at least seven separate occasions.
Timeline
The defendant was convicted of a sex crime in 2008.
The California Department of Real Estate revoked his license in 2012.
Police made arrests for indecent exposure at Camarillo Premium Outlets in 2014.
The most recent incident occurred in Santa Monica on August 29, 2026.
Prosecutors filed a felony charge on September 8, 2026.
Legal Context
The current prosecution follows a recurring pattern of behavior established by the 2014 Camarillo Premium Outlets indecent exposure arrests. This case underscores the challenges authorities face in monitoring repeat sex offenders within public retail spaces.
Local businesses and retail employees in the area are encouraged to remain vigilant when encountering individuals who claim to be media professionals under suspicious circumstances. Authorities continue to investigate the incident to ensure the safety of employees in the local community.
The takeaway
Repeat offenders frequently utilize similar tactics to target victims in public settings, making situational awareness critical for retail workers. Individuals should report any suspicious behavior or unsolicited claims of authority to local law enforcement immediately.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Canyon News.
