A man known for bouncing around Grand Terrace was slapped with cuffs last week for failing to keep up with sex offender registry requirements and fibbing on his documents, authorities said. Joseph Manuel Trapaga, 57, a transient with a history of sex offenses, wound up behind bars when he did not report for his monthly check-in, igniting a police probe into his whereabouts.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office, Detectives found several inaccuracies and misleading statements in Trapaga's paperwork. With an arrest warrant in hand on January 10, deputies responded to a disturbance call on Barton Road the following morning, encountering the elusive registrant. They nabbed Trapaga around 8:15 a.m., carting him off to the clink without a hitch and jailing him on $100,000 bond.
An unassuming stretch of Barton Road was the scene of the snag, where Trapaga had made himself known to locals, albeit for ignominious reasons. His violations included Transient Sex Registrant Violation, filing false documents, and perjury, as spelled out by the county Sheriff-Coroner’s office in a statement.
The Central Detention Center became Trapaga's latest abode, while an the investigation, which Detective Chris Bertetto spearheaded, has been kicked up to the District Attorney's office for further action. The law demands stern attention to protocol for those with a sordid history like Trapaga, emphasizing public safety and oversight.
Officials are urging anyone with knowledge about non-compliant sex offenders to step up and get in touch with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Central Station. Tips can also be anonymously tipped off to We-Tip hotline.
