News Release: Mosque Leader Charged with Sexual Assaults
- Deputy Jamie Burton
- Jul 21
- 1 min read
07/21/26
Sheriff Leon Lott announces the arrest of Louai Elkhatib (55; DOB: 02/09/71) for the sexual assaults of women dating back over a decade.
On June 30, 2026, a victim reported to RCSD about sexual assaults she experienced that spanned over years. During the investigation, the victim identified the suspect as Elkhatib and informed investigators that he is a spiritual leader at her mosque with the Mission Hope Foundation, which also operates a school where he served as a school administrator. As the investigation continued, four more victims came forward with reports of sexual assault by Elkhatib.
Investigators learned that Elkhatib would use his position as the Iman at the mosque and administrator of the school to hold power over the victims during the sexual assault if they attempted to refuse as the victims were members of the mosque and employees of the school.
On July 20, 2026, Elkhatib was placed under arrest and charged with four counts of Assault and Battery 1st Degree and one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree. Elkhatib was taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center where he is awaiting a bond hearing.
RCSD believes that there are more victims that have not come forward due to Elkhatib’s position at the mosque and school. RCSD encourages any additional victims to come forward to investigate further acts by Elkhatib.
