A Sacramento man has been arrested in Indiana on multiple charges relating to the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl. Kevin Dominguez, 26, is accused of traveling across state lines to engage in this illegal activity. According to ABC10, Dominguez was booked on suspicion on three counts of child molesting, two counts of child exploitation, one count of strangulation, and one count of battery with a bail set at $500,000.
Details from the Grant County Sheriff's Office indicate that deputies were alerted to an unknown man's presence in a house with children on October 24. The investigation uncovered that Dominguez had been communicating with the underage girl online for months before deciding to meet her. He had made lodgings at a Fort Wayne motel during his visit to Indiana. When looking into the ordeal, FOX59 reported that the girl's father initiated direct communication with Dominguez, which aided the deputies in apprehending him without incident.
These charges against Dominguez include Level 3 Felony for child molesting, for which he faces three counts; Level 5 Felony for child exploitation, with two counts; Level 6 Felony for strangulation, and a Class A Misdemeanor for battery. If convicted, the Level 3 felony charges each carry a maximum sentence that could total up to 48 years in prison.
Emphasizing the risks of unchecked online interaction, Sheriff Del Garcia spoke on the matter stating, "highlights the dangers that exist online and how quickly communication with strangers can turn into a serious threat," as noted by FOX59. The statement released by the sheriff's office additionally urged "parents and guardians to stay actively involved in their children’s online activity and to report any suspicious interactions immediately." The case is currently an open investigation, with both Grant and Delaware County officials involved.
