CPD Seeking Other Potential Victims/Witnesses

Carlsbad CA— On November 13, the City of Carlsbad Police Department responded to a call of a sexual assault of a minor. The 16-year-old victim reported that on November 12, 2018, she went to a to a residence in the 3600 block of Carlsbad Boulevard to meet with a professional modeling photographer. The photographer, 52-year-old Robert Koester of Carlton, Oregon, was sub-contracted by Frank, a Carlsbad-based model management agency.
The victim reported that during the photo shoot, Koester sexually assaulted her. The victim left the photo shoot early and reported the incident to her father.
On November 13, the victim and her father contacted the Police Department to report the incident.
Upon receiving the case, investigators found the Carlsbad Boulevard address was temporarily rented by Koester. Investigators went to the property and arrested Koester. Investigators also served a search warrant on the location and recovered evidence related to the crime.
Investigators have been working closely with the modeling agency, Frank, to identify any other witnesses or victims. The management at Frank has been cooperative with the police investigation.
Investigators believe Koester worked with many clients and used the aliases, Rhake Winter and Bert Kay. The Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify additional victims or witnesses. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Police Department at the hotline, 760-931-3819 or email, tipline@carlsbadca.gov.
Koester was booked into the Vista Detention Facility for Battery with Great Bodily Injury, Sexual Battery, Possession of Child Pornography, and Providing Harmful Material to a Minor. Koester posted bail and has been released until future court proceedings.