In a recent sweep to protect minors from online exploitation, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department apprehended a suspected child predator, according to an official statement. Scott Marin, a 43-year-old resident of Moreno Valley, was taken into custody after he allegedly engaged in sexually explicit communication with a 13-year-old girl. Investigators, who were part of the Perris Sheriff’s Station-Special Enforcement Team and Burglary Robbery Suppression Team, initiated the online sting in early April.
Authorities say that throughout the investigation, Marin requested sexual acts and images from the minor and had arranged to meet her. Marin was arrested on April 25, outside a Moreno Valley residence, where deputies discovered him with multiple communication devices, which were subsequently seized to serve as evidence in the ongoing investigation. The suspect now faces charges that include arranging to meet a minor with the intent for sexual acts, contacting a minor with the intent to commit sexual acts, and attempting lewd acts with a minor. He was booked at Cois Byrd Detention Center with his bail set at $55,000.
The Perris Sheriff’s Station urges anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact Deputy Hartert at the Perris Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 210–1000.
