A Grand Terrace man has been arrested on suspicion of sex offenses. Before anyone goes jumping to conclusions, though, it's important to look at the story of his arrest and ask some questions.
According to the Press-Enterprise, the 58-year-old man was arrested by deputies from the San Bernardino Sherriff's Department on March 13, 2014 after investigators discovered what appeared to be a video of two 17-year-old women engaged in sex acts. It isn't clear what led investigators to suspect the man might have illicit material.
He has been booked into High Desert Detention Center on suspicion of lewd acts with a child, sexual exploitation of a minor and contact with a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense. His bail has been set at $600,000.
As criminal defense attorneys, this man's arrest gives us reason to ask two questions. First, did the man know that the women in the footage were not of age? We'd want to see some compelling evidence that he did. Second, can it be proved that this footage belonged to the man? We need to know how investigators came to discover it. While no one is in favor of those who prey on minors -- does that even need to be said? -- we absolutely cannot rush to judge this man until he's had a chance to defend himself and some serious questions have been answered.
At the Law Office of Nic Cocis and Associates, we assist people from the Riverside County communities like Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Corona, Winchester, Riverside, Perris, Banning and Hemet. Our office is located near the Southwest Detention Center. If you or a loved one has been arrested, please contact us. We can help! Since 1999, we have represented hundreds of individuals accused of commiting criminal acts including DUI and juvenile matters.