Santa Ana Man Accused Of Molesting 13-Year-Old Girl He Met Online

SANTA ANA, CA — A Santa Ana man was arrested for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old girl he met online, and police Friday urged any other possible victims to contact detectives.

Brayan Padilla-Gomez, 22, was booked on suspicion of kidnapping and child molestation, and bail was set at $1 million, the Santa Ana Police Department said.

The girl told police she met Padilla-Gomez online during October 2021, police said.

"Padilla-Gomez picked up the victim and drove her to his home, where he sexually assaulted her and video recorded the incident," police said in a statement.

"Padilla-Gomez sent the video to the victim's friend, who is also a minor, and attempted to meet her with the intent to engage in sex acts and provide her drugs," police said. "The victim became aware of the video after speaking to her friend and immediately called the police."

Padilla-Gomez was arrested during a sting operation, police said.

Detectives believe there may be other victims of the suspect and urged people with information on the case to contact Detective Jorge Gaeta at 714-245-8706 or jgaeta@santa-ana.org; or call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1- 855-TIP-OCCS.

City News Service