Youths organize ‘sting’ operation targeting accused child predator, California cops say

A 46-year-old man faces charges of trying to meet a child for sex acts after a “sting” operation organized by youths, California sheriff’s officials reported.

Deputies received a tip that a man was meeting with a child for sex acts at Nicolas Road Park in Temecula at 4:25 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

When deputies arrived, they found about 20 juveniles recording the encounter, the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office confirmed in an email to McClatchy News that the youths had organized their own undercover operation.

Officials did not describe the effort but said the man had sent nude photos and arranged to meet a minor at the park.

William Vandenbush, 46, of Homeland, faces charges of sending harmful matter to a minor, contacting a minor for sexual purposes and arranging to meet with minor for sexual purposes, deputies said.

“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office strongly discourages residents from conducting their own undercover investigations and arranging to meet with potential suspects,” deputies said in the release.

“This action unnecessarily jeopardized the safety of everyone in the vicinity of the park,” officials said. They encouraged residents to contact local law enforcement instead.

Detectives ask anyone with information to call investigator Alissa Morris or Deputy Kevin Au at 951-696-3000.

Temecula is about an 85-mile drive southeast from Los Angeles.

This story was originally published November 17, 2024 at 12:32 PM with the headline "Youths organize ‘sting’ operation targeting accused child predator, California cops say."