Local Television Station helps capture sex abuse suspect
SALINAS—Salinas Police arrested Diego Javier Reyes, 18, of Salinas on suspicion of sexual abuse of a minor. They credit KION television station with helping in his capture.
Diego Javier Reyes
On August 8, Salinas Police began investigating a sexual abuse case involving a 13-year-old and Reyes. Reyes began a Facebook relationship approximately two months ago with the victim, who attends a middle school in Salinas.
Reyes met the victim face to face and went to a residence at an unknown location in Salinas, which is where the alleged sexual abuse took place. When the victim told her parents what had happened to her, they immediately took her to a local hospital.
The Salinas Police Department was later notified and started an investigation. Salinas Police were unsuccessful in their attempt to locate Reyes, and distributed a county wide “Be On the Lookout” (BOL) bulletin.
On Monday August 13, 2012, Reyes was featured on a KION television segment called “Manhunt Monday.” Every Monday, law enforcement officials contact the station with suspects they would like featured on the segment. It airs every Monday at 5:05 and 10:05 p.m.
“We cover the entire central coast and we are pleased that the segment is producing such good results.” KION’s Content Manager Tom Jones said.
The next day, at about 11:30 p.m., Reyes walked into the Salinas Police Department and turned himself in to authorities as a result of seeing himself featured on the Manhunt Monday segment.
Reyes was booked into the Monterey County Jail on two counts of sexual abuse with a minor.
The Salinas Police are still investigating this incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department’s crime tip line 1-800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463.)
