Authorities from the other side of the world alerted their SoCal counterparts to the alleged sexual abuse of an 8-year-old boy in Riverside County.
According to a release issued Wednesday by the office of Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin, Homeland Security Investigations received a referral originating from New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team on Sept. 2.
Officials from Down Under indicated to HSI that a link containing videos and images of child sexual abuse materials discovered in the country originated from somewhere in Riverside County; upon learning this, HSI contacted the Riverside County Child Exploitation Team (RCCET), which is led by the DA’s office.
As a result of the joint investigation, law enforcement officials were able to identify the suspect as 20-year-old John Edward Lario. A search warrant served at his Banning residence led to the identification of the alleged victim, an 8-year-old boy, the DA’s office said.
“This arrest highlights HSI’s ability to coordinate with international, state and local partners to swiftly pursue offenders and bring them to justice,” said Christopher Bracken, HSI Riverside Assistant Special Agent in Charge.
Lario has been charged with oral copulation and sexual penetration of a child under the age of 10 as well as lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14.
If convicted as charged, he faces a possible life sentence.
Authorities from the other side of the world alerted their SoCal counterparts to the alleged sexual abuse of an 8-year-old boy in Riverside County. According to a release issued Wednesday by the office of Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin, Homeland Security Investigations received a referral originating from New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital […]
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