‘Violent’ sex offender rapes teen in remote area, more victims feared, CA cops say
A “violent sex offender” drove a 16-year-old to a deserted area and raped her, California deputies say.
Ardy Vance Thompson, 50, of Victorville was arrested on a rape charge, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a July 1 news release.
The teen was picked up by a man, later identified as Thompson, “in a dark gray 2009 Hyundai Accent” on Tuesday, June 24, deputies said.
Thompson gave the teen marijuana and drove her “out to a deserted area” in Oro Grande, deputies said.
Then, Thompson sexually assaulted the girl, deputies said.
At the time of the alleged assault, Thompson and the teen did not know one another, deputies said.
Video surveillance helped detectives identify Thompson as a suspect, according to deputies.
After an arrest warrant for Thompson was issued, he was taken into custody by Colton police on Sunday, June 28, deputies said.
“Thompson is currently listed on California’s Megan’s Law website as a violent sex offender,” deputies said.
The website shows Thompson was convicted of rape by force or fear in 2005 and released from jail in 2019.
Thompson is being held on $1 million bail and was scheduled to appear in court July 2, jail records show.
Deputies said there may be more victims and asked for anyone with information to contact them at 760-956-5001.
Oro Grande is about a 90-mike drive northeast from Los Angeles.
This story was originally published July 2, 2025 at 11:36 AM with the headline "‘Violent’ sex offender rapes teen in remote area, more victims feared, CA cops say."
