Deputies arrested a Homeland man after a group of juveniles allegedly exposed him for being a sexual predator, authorities announced Saturday.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to Nicolas Road Park in the city of Temecula on Friday afternoon for a tip that an adult was meeting with a minor for sexual purposes.
“Upon arrival, a deputy was met with a crowd of approximately 20 juveniles recording the encounter,” the department said.
Deputies detained the suspect, identified as 46-year-old William Vandenbush.
Authorities said an investigation revealed Vandenbush sent nude photographs and agreed to meet a minor for sexual purposes.
Deputies arrested Vandenbush for multiple felonies and booked him at the Cois Byrd Detention Center for sending harmful matter to a minor, contacting a minor for sexual purposes and arranging to meet with a minor for sexual purposes, according to the department.
Although the sheriff’s office did not specify how exactly the juveniles exposed Vandenbush in its press release, officials made a point to discourage residents from conducting their own undercover investigations and arranging to meet with potential suspects.
“This action unnecessarily jeopardized the safety of everyone in the vicinity of the park,” wrote the department. “We encourage anyone with information related to child sexual abuse, or online sexual exploitation of minors for sex, to immediately contact their local law enforcement agency.”
“Law enforcement professionals investigating these types of egregious crimes have specialized training and follow specific protocols to ensure a proper investigation, evidence preservation, and public safety,” the sheriff’s office continued. “By following these specific protocols, the investigation is not compromised and ensures a thorough investigation is presented to their local district attorney’s office for prosecution.”
Authorities said that while this is an ongoing investigation, no further information will be released.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said it encourages anyone with information on this case to call Investigator Alissa Morris or Deputy Kevin Au at 951-696-3000.