Police arrest man suspected of several molestations

Jannise Johnson, Staff Writer
Article Created: 03/27/2008 09:51:32 PM PDT

ONTARIO - A 32-year-old Fontana man suspected of molesting at least six children was arrested Wednesday evening.

Rafael Valadez was arrested on a felony warrant at 9:15 p.m. while working near Jurupa Avenue and the 15 Freeway, according to a police news release.

Police have several cases dating back to 1993 in which Valadez is suspected of child molestation.

So far, investigators have identified six victims ranging from 6 to 9 years old, authorities said.

Police are searching for additional victims.

"Something leads them to believe this is not the first time," police Officer Craig Ansman said. "Usually these type of people have some kind of history with this stuff."

Police said Valadez would befriend the family of his victims and then move into their house or apartment.

He would become friendly with the children before he molested them, police said.

Valadez also threatened to kill the children if they reported him, police said.

Police had not been able to find Valadez until Wednesday.

Valadez is a Mexican citizen from Mexico City and is illegally in the United States.

Ansman did not know if Valadez is married or has children.

Valadez was booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, where he was being held without bail on an immigration warrant.

He is also being held on suspicion of sexual molestation of a minor under the age of 14, false
Advertisement
imprisonment, oral copulation and sodomy.

Anyone with information on additional victims is asked to call Detective Gary Narranjo at (909) 395-2764, ext. 2004.

http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_8723782