Police: DC woman used ice cream, popcorn to lure child sex assault victims

WASHINGTON - Police have arrested a D.C. woman after they say she used ice cream and popcorn to lure children into her apartment where she sexually abused them.

Police arrested 42-year-old Larona Steele on Tuesday and charged her with first-degree child sexual abuse.

According to the police report, the sexual assault happened in the 3500 block of Clay Place in Northeast D.C. last month and the victims were all under 16 years old. Two of the victims told investigators that Steele forced them to have sexual intercourse with her along with oral sex.

The investigation revealed the woman offered the victims popcorn and ice cream to get them into her home. Once inside, she locked the door and forced them to perform the sexual acts on her.

Police said they believe there may be additional victims.

"Investigators believe that the suspect targeted juveniles, under the notion of selling them candy from her residence," D.C. police said in a news release.

Anyone who has had past encounters with Steele or have information that could help with the investigation is asked to call D.C. police at 202-727-9099.