Police: Man Arrested for Allegedly Recording Girl, 12, in Public Restroom; May Have Other Victims
Above: Jacob Arriola
Photo courtesy of Orange County District Attorney’s Office
Authorities in Orange County have announced the arrest of a man accused of secretly recording an underage girl in a public restroom. Investigators reportedly also believe there may be more victims, and are calling on the public to come forward with any information they may have.
In a press release dated July 27, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office identified 33-year-old Jacob Anthony Arriola of Fullerton as the suspect. Arriola is accused of planting a wireless “phone-equipped” camera in the women’s restroom at a Fullerton park, as well as allegedly recording a 12-year-old girl in the restroom.
Authorities allege that Arriola followed the girl into the restroom, but she fled when she noticed him. She then told her parents, and her parents detained Arriola and held him down until police arrived. He was arrested shortly thereafter.
Officers then checked the restroom and reportedly found the wireless camera. Authorities also allege that child pornography was found on Arriola’s electronic devices.
Arriola has since been formally charged with one felony count of possession of child pornography, and one misdemeanor count each of: using a concealed recording device to record someone without their consent, using a minor in the sale or distribution of obscene matter or production of pornography, and placing a concealed camera to secretly videotape someone in partial dress and peeping.
Arriola remains in custody at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange, with bail set at $20,000. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of three years in state prison.
He has pleaded not guilty, the District Attorney’s Office said.
Authorities reportedly believe that Arriola may have other victims, and anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to reach out to Fullerton Police Detective E. Garcia at egarcia@fullertonpd.org, or by calling 714-738-6759.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jeff Boyd of the office’s Sexual Assault Unit. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty.
