Benedetto Vitale (NLVPD)NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV (FOX5) -
North Las Vegas police said an administrator of a local non-profit agency tried to coerce a woman into committing sexual acts in exchange for signing off on her community service.
Benedetto Vitale, 59, was arrested for open and gross lewdness, forgery and sexually-motivated coercion in connection with the alleged incident.
A 24-year-old woman told police that she contacted a donation center affiliated with domestic violence shelter Safe Nest to arrange work for her court-ordered community service. The woman came into contact with Vitale who identified himself as a representative for the organization.
According to police, Vitale attempted to coerce the woman in committing the sex acts.
Detectives said Vitale has worked for Safe Nest for about eight years. He is the director of donations at the organization, police said.
Police are looking into the possibility of additional victims. They urge anyone with information to call NLVPD at 702-633-9111 or Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
Safe Nest provided the following statement concerning the arrest Wednesday afternoon:
On July 24, Safe Nest was informed that Ben Vitale, donation center director, was taken into custody by the North Vegas Police Department. The very serious allegations against Vitale stand in stark contrast to Safe Nest's mission and commitment to provide a safe haven for victims of domestic violence.
Safe Nest took immediate action upon learning of the arrest and circumstances surrounding it. We are fully cooperating with police and assisting in every way possible with their investigation. Vitale has been placed on administrative leave.
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