An Anaheim man has been detained following a sting operation by the Perris Sheriff’s Station-Special Enforcement Team, which involved officers posing online as a 13-year-old girl. Ryan Hagen, 45, was apprehended on Wednesday, accused of seeking illicit contact with a minor. The arrest occurred in the city of Redlands, facilitated by the cooperation with the Redlands Police Department.
As detailed in a press release by the Riverside Sheriff's Department, Hagen allegedly exchanged messages with the assumed minor over several weeks, during which he reportedly solicited sexually explicit images and proposed engaging in sexual acts. Upon his arrest, several devices believed to have been used for communication were seized.
Hagen is now facing multiple charges, including attempts to meet a minor with the intention of sexual acts, contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense, and distributing harmful material to a minor. He is currently being held at Cois Byrd Detention Center, with bail set at $55,0000.
Sergeant David Ruiz oversees the reporting of such incidents, and the Sheriff's Station urges anyone with information concerning the case to contact Deputy Hartert at the Perris Sheriff’s Station. The concerted aim of these investigations is to fortify community safety and preempt violent crime. "The Perris Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team is committed to creating safe, secure neighborhoods free of violent crime," the department's statement declared.
