The parents of a 12-year-old girl confronted and held down a man until police could respond after she accused him of recording her in the bathroom.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Saturday when the family was visiting the Valencia Park in Fullerton, California.
The girl went to use the park’s bathroom but ran out when she noticed the man recording her. She told her parents who confronted the man and held him down while police arrived.
The man was identified as 33-year-old Jacob Anthony Arriola, according to a release from the Orange County district attorney.
Detectives said they found a wireless camera in the bathroom they believe belong to the man.
They also found child pornography after a search of his devices.
The man is charged with several crimes, including one felony count of possession of child pornography, one count of using a concealed recording device to record someone without their consent, one count of using a minor in the sale or distribution of obscene matter or production of pornography, and one count of placing a concealed camera to secretly videotape someone in partial dress.
Arriola has pleaded not guilty to each of the charges.
He faces three years in prison if convicted.
“Pedophiles will stop at nothing to satiate their own indulgences – even brazenly recording a young girl at public restroom during the day, only a short distance away from parents,” read a statement from Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer.
“Thankfully, the girl immediately reported what had happened and adults intervened,” he added. “Protecting our children is paramount to me and to our community and we will do everything we can to hold those accountable who seek to exploit and manipulate kids.”
The district attorney is asking for help from the public in identifying any other possible victims.
Here’s a local news report about the incident:
Fullerton man arrested for secretly recording girl in bathroom, officials saywww.youtube.com
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