CA, US & World
Sweeps targeting child predators net 25 arrests across Riverside County
A series of law enforcement operations throughout Riverside County targeting individuals soliciting sexual encounters with children netted 25 arrests, authorities reported Tuesday.
The county’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force joined other agencies statewide in “Operation Intercept,” in which law enforcement personnel utilized social media and other online platforms to target adults seeking to lure children under 14 years old into engaging in sexual acts.
“The intent of `Operation Intercept’ was to locate potential sexual predators who actively sought minors on social media platforms for the purpose of committing lewd acts,” according to a statement released by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. “This operation was also meant to reduce Internet `child predators’ actively seeking to commit lewd acts with minors throughout Riverside County.”
During the monthlong operation, men seeking sex with minors initiated online conversations with law enforcement personnel posing as children, according to the sheriff’s department. The suspects then arrived at predetermined meeting locations and were arrested and transported to county jail.
Arrestees ranged in age from from 22 to 61. The men were residents of Riverside County cities including Palm Desert, Indio, Moreno Valley and Murrieta. Others resided in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
Most of the individuals arrested in the county sweeps were booked on suspicion of solicitation of a minor, and arranging to meet with a minor with the intent to engage in lewd sex acts.
Others were booked on suspicion of possessing a firearm, distribution of child pornography and violation of parole.
Anybody with information regarding the operation was urged to contact Sgts. Jose Tijerina or Robert Menchaca at 951-955-1700.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 8, 2021
Latest Instagram Posts
CNN 'Engagement Party’s' Ari Shapiro breaks down what the popular meme blanketing social feeds this time of year.
🚨 Three young men are headed to prison after opening fire on a Thermal home with 14 people inside, then shooting at responding deputies. All survived. The men received sentences ranging from 8 to 11 years. Meanwhile, a Palm Springs man who admitted to sexually assaulting multiple underage girls across Southern California faces 22 years behind bars. His sentencing is scheduled for today in Indio. ⚖️ Two disturbing cases. Multiple victims. Serious consequences. #BreakingNews #CoachellaValley #Thermal #PalmSprings #CrimeNews
🎈 Want to experience the Cathedral City Hot-Air Balloon Festival? We’re giving you a chance to WIN tickets! Head to nbcpalmsprings.com/promotions for your chance to win! 🎟️ Good luck from NBC Palm Springs! #CathedralCity #HotAirBalloonFestival #WinTickets #NBCPalmSprings #CoachellaValley
🌧️ EL NIÑO READY: Know the Flood Zones! Heavy rain can quickly turn Indian Canyon Wash in Palm Springs into a dangerous, fast-moving river. 🚨 Fire officials warn drivers to never ignore road closure signs or attempt to cross flooded roads. Even just 6 inches of moving water can put you in danger. Find out which areas are most vulnerable and how to stay safe as our El Niño Ready coverage continues, only on NBC Palm Springs. #ElNinoReady #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #FloodSafety #WeatherAlert NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What do you do to get into the Halloween spirit?
After fighting for labor and civil rights for decades…american labor leader Dolores Huerta has passed away. However, in the city of Coachella, friends and colleagues say her memory will live on forever—on and off the fields. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for @maria_nvtv full report. #DoloresHuerta #LatinaHistory #FarmworkerRights #CoachellaValley #CommunityImpact
🥊 THINGS ARE GETTING HEATED ON THE ICE! 🏒 Tucson’s No. 3 is handed fighting penalties and a game misconduct after his second fight of the night against the Firebirds! 🔥 Emotions are running high as the Firebirds take on Tucson tonight! #Firebirds ##CoachellaValleyFirebirds #Hockey #hockeyfights
IT’S GAME TIME IN THE DESERT! NBC Palm Springs’ Tim O’Brien is on hand to kick things off as the Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the Tucson Roadrunners tonight! 🐦🔥 The energy is building, the fans are ready, and it’s time for some hockey action! Who’s ready to cheer on the Firebirds? 🙌 📍 Acrisure Arena 🏒 Firebirds vs. Tucson Roadrunners Let’s go, Firebirds! 🔥 #NBCPalmSprings #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsHockey #CoachellaValley #AcrisureArena TucsonRoadrunners TimOBrien DesertHockey
🎭 Mann on the Aisle: Opening Night of “& Juliet”! Our Kevin Mann takes us inside opening night of & Juliet at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert! Find out what he thought of the hit musical that reimagines Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and asks: What if Juliet’s story didn’t end there? #MannOnTheAisle #AndJuliet #McCallumTheatre #PalmDesert #NBCPalmSprings Broadway
In 1981, millionaire Thelma Gaston disappeared, leaving her family with decades of unanswered questions. Now, advances in genetic genealogy and forensic technology have helped solve the mystery of what happened to her. After 45 years, Thelma’s identity is restored, and her full story is finally being told. Watch Identifying Jane Doe: Thelma Gaston’s story only on NBC Palm Springs. #coldcase #coachellavalley #solved #nbcpalmsprings #thelmagaston