German National Charged with Traveling to California for Child Sex
OAKLAND — A German national is being held in custody for allegedly traveling to California to have sex with a child. The 31-year-old teacher was arrested at the end of August and faces charges in federal court.
His arrest was announced by U.S. Homeland Security authorities based in San Francisco. The case is being prosecuted with assistance from Brentwood police who arrested him. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is also involved.
The suspect arrested, Adam Soboll, identified himself as a fifth-grade teacher. Although he was arrested in Contra Costa County, he was transported to Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. He presently cannot be released on bail.
Soboll was charged on August 28 with traveling to the U.S. with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Specifically, he is charged with violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(b).
Investigators say Soboll met a 14-year-old online in October 2018 using Snapchat. Soboll also allegedly used online gaming platforms and other social media to continue communicating with the child.
After a few months, Soboll began discussing the possibility of visiting the minor in Brentwood. Such discussions allegedly included various forms of sexual conduct in which they would engage when he arrived.
Eventually, Soboll did travel to California. On August 25, Sobell stayed at a hotel in Brentwood. That’s where he is accused of having sexual relations with the minor. He was arrested after the minor’s mother contacted Brentwood police.
Soboll is scheduled to appear for a hearing in Oakland this week before a federal magistrate.
