Explicit Online Relationships with Minors Leads to Arrest

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by Rebecca O'Connor , May 8, 2015

FRENCH VALLEY – The arrest of an adult man for allegedly fostering a sexual relationship with multiple minors online is a reminder to parents of the potential dangers of unmonitored online communications.

Earlier this year, the Bakersfield Police Department began an investigation regarding an adult who was purported to be having an inappropriate relationship with a minor online. On Saturday, April 18th, the officers from Bakersfield arrested Javier Flores Lopez, 20 years old from Los Angeles, for multiple counts of having unlawful sexual contact with a child under the age of 14 years. At the time of his arrest, investigators discovered evidence that Flores may have been in an inappropriate and unlawful relationship with another minor child in the unincorporated area of French Valley in Riverside County.

An investigator from the Southwest Station delved into the communications between the Los Angeles man and the local minor, discovering that the he had indeed fostered an online relationship with the intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

Once there was evidence of these communications, investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Javier Flores. The specific charges were for contact with a minor with the intent to commit sexual offenses, and distribution of sexually explicit matter over the Internet. Subsequently, on May 5, Javier Flores was again located at his residence in Los Angeles and arrested. Flores was booked into the Los Angeles County Jail and later extradited to Riverside County where he is being held on $2,000,000 bail.

In a press release, The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reminds parents of the inherent dangers often associated with communicating via electronic devices. The Department recommends restricting electronic devices, along with continually monitoring a child’s electronic communication activities and their personal identifying information.

This investigation is ongoing, anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Detective R. Holder at the Riverside Sheriff’s Southwest Station at 951-696-3000.