In a recent operation conducted by the Perris Sheriff's Station-Special Enforcement Team, 54-year-old Victor Bustamante was apprehended on February 14 for engaging in solicitation of a minor for sexual acts. Authorities started an undercover operation online on January 28, where deputies posed as a 13-year-old female, which led to Bustamante expressing intent to meet for sexual activities.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Bustamante, a resident of Perris, communicated with undercover deputies over several days thinking he was in contact with an underage girl. The communications culminated in Bustamante arranging a meeting, intending to perform sex acts with the minor.

Bustamante was arrested without incident by deputies when he arrived for the arranged meeting. Booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center, he faces multiple charges, including arranging to meet a minor with the intent of sexual acts, contacting a minor with intent to commit sexual acts, and attempting lewd acts with a minor. He is currently held on a $55,000 bail, as reported by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Deputy Hartert, who can be reached at the Perris Sheriff’s Station at (951) 210–1000, encourages anyone with information about the incident to come forward.