A 40-year-old man is facing serious allegations after what investigators say was an indecent exposure incident in the parking lot of Moorpark High School, a case that set off a monthlong probe and rattled local families as detectives looked into possible contacts with minors.
According to CBS Los Angeles, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Michael Jude Dee Jr., 40. Deputies say Dee allegedly exposed himself to a person in the school’s parking lot on May 12, then took off before law enforcement arrived. Witnesses and the victim gave deputies a description and license plate number for his vehicle, information that investigators say helped crack the case.
Detectives told CBS Los Angeles they later tracked Dee to Lancaster with help from the Lancaster Police Department. He was first released on bail, then taken into custody again after an additional allegation surfaced involving contact with a minor.
Legal context and potential charges
Indecent exposure in California is laid out in state law, including California Legislature materials under Penal Code section 314, which can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or, in some situations, a felony. Separately, California Legislature resources on Penal Code section 288.3 explain that it is a felony to contact or attempt to contact a minor with the intent to commit specified serious felonies involving that minor.
Which charges prosecutors ultimately pursue will depend on the evidence collected, any prior convictions that might be in play, and whether investigators can establish intent or completed contact involving underage victims.
Investigation and arrests
Ventura County detectives told CBS Los Angeles that the witness descriptions and license plate information were key to tracing the suspect to Lancaster, where officers made the arrest. Investigators said their follow up work indicated Dee had attempted to contact several minors and, in some instances, that contact was made, which led to the additional felony allegation related to a minor.
Detectives also said they suspect there may be more victims and urged anyone who may have information or who believes they had contact with Dee to reach out to authorities.
What parents and students should know
There was no public indication that Moorpark Unified School District closed schools in response to the reported parking lot incident, and investigators say the case remains active. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office lists contact information for its Moorpark station on its website and directs people to Ventura County Crime Stoppers if they want to share tips anonymously.
Authorities handling the investigation have asked anyone with possible information to contact their investigators. Station locations and tip line details are available through the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County Crime Stoppers.
