Police said authorities are looking for a possible victim of a 37-year-old man who allegedly used social media platforms to provide alcohol and drugs to minors in Southern California in exchange for sexual acts.
Saul Alfaro, from Panoramic City, was arrested Tuesday after a week-long joint investigation between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security between Los Angeles and Burbank Police. Police said he was charged for allegedly trying to lure minors into sexual activities.
Alfaro allegedly created an online account on Instagram and Snapchat to connect with several minors in Southern California, some at the age of 12 and some at the age of 19. It is suspected that Alfaro is using the following usernames: MR_JORTZ, Val.91503836, 8o5_joeyy, SCV_JOEYY1, KIM.9120123, MIA.7477289 and CFS3.99771776.
Turner said Alfaro had been operating social media for more than a year before his arrest. It is not clear whether Alfaro had close contact with minors. Turner said that as of Wednesday, more and more victims have come forward.
Parents were notified that two of the students were likely victims, according to school officials from William S. Hart United High School District, Santa Clarita. KTLA 5. Alfaro provides alcohol and drugs to attract minors, the email said.
No connections Alfaro may have with minors were done through the school’s issued equipment or the school’s network, Sheriff Michael Vierra said in a statement.
“While we don’t know the full scope of this matter yet, we understand that the suspects may target young people in multiple communities,” Vierra said. “Our district continues to educate students on responsible online behavior and works closely with parents, staff and law enforcement to address emerging digital threats.”
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, which works with the school district to provide publicity about student safety, told Santa Clarita Signal Tuesday that it will work with the investigation even though the case is outside its jurisdiction.
The Los Angeles Area Internet’s investigation into the Children’s Task Force is an active and ongoing survey, which is the National Network assisting state and local law enforcement agencies in the state network to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in the investigation.
Authorities encourage other victims to step up. Anyone with information about Alfaro can contact the Burbank Police Department at (818) 238-3210, or (866) 347-2423 with the HSI prompt line and quote the “Saul Alfaro Investigation”.
