Sailor Stationed in Lemoore Arrested for Pimping Teenage Girl
A U.S. Navy petty officer was arrested for allegedly forcing a Porterville girl to have sex with several men in Lemoore, police said.
Charles Ray Benavidez
The Porterville Police Department arrested 32-year-old Charles Ray Benavidez for having sex with the 17-year-old and then pimping her out to other men. Benavidez was stationed at Lemoore Naval Air Station.
Authorities said Benavidez met the girl on a social networking site. He drove to Porterville where she lives on two occasions and engaged her in sexual acts. Police say he knew she was underage.
On Benavidez’ third visit to see the girl, he coerced her into having sex with another man. In subsequent encounters, Benavidez took the teenager back to his home in Lemoore and coerced her into having sex with several men. The suspect videotaped these encounters, according to police.
Porterville police received a tip about what was happening with the 17-year-old and, with the help of the Department of Homeland Security investigators, served a search warrant at Benevidez’ home while he was away. Based on their findings, they went to the Navy base in Lemoore to arrest him. He was booked into Tulare County Jail.
Benevidez is facing charges of suspicion of pimping a minor over 16, possession of child pornography, using a minor for sex acts, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and possession of marijuana for sale.
Benevidez may also be facing charges of sexual trafficking of a child.
Read More:
Raw Story: US Navy Petty Office Arrested for Pimping 17-Year-Old Girl
Visalia Times: Lemoore NAS Man Arrested on Suspicion of Pimping
