Man arrested on suspicion of sexually molesting 9-year-old boy in mall bathroom
A 45-year-old man arrested on suspicion of sexually molesting a 9-year-old boy in the bathroom of a mall in the city of Industry was arraigned Thursday on a felony count of committing a lewd act against a child.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 15 at the Pomona Courthouse. If convicted of the charge, Camarena could face up to eight years in prison, City News Service reported.
Police arrested Richard Camarena at his mother’s home in Claremont about 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
The alleged victim in the case told his mother he was touched inappropriately when he was alone in the bathroom at Puente Hills Mall on July 8, and his mother immediately contacted mall security and the police, according to authorities. With the help of the boy’s description and community tips, police identified and located Camarena, officials said.
Sgt. Al Fraijo of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Special Victim’s Bureau said that Camarena is single and was employed at Disneyland before his arrest. He does not have a criminal history, and he did not resist arrest.
“He was extremely cooperative,” Fraijo said.
Camarena is being held at San Dimas Station in lieu of $100,000 bail.
“In our opinion, there was a crime. That’s why he was arrested,” Fraijo said.
MORE LOCAL NEWS
Bicyclist from San Francisco ‘Critical Mass’ ride gets probation for attacking motorist’s car
Sand fire updates: More than 37,000 acres burned in Santa Clarita Valley mountains
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
