Police: Man Tried to Meet Up With 13-Year-Old

A 21-year-old city resident is facing charges after police said he initiated a conversation online with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl and attempted to establish a sexual relationship with the minor.

Officers arrested Jesus Lucero, of 17 Grove St. in Meriden, Tuesday after he met detectives at an undisclosed location in the city, believing he was meeting up with the 13-year-old. Police said he was taken into custody without incident. Lucero, 21, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of enticing a minor, criminal attempt to commit second-degree sexual assault and criminal attempt to commit risk of injury to a minor.

"In this particular instance, the individual was taken into custody after an exchange online. He was under the his belief that he would be meeting up with a 13-year-old girl," said Sgt. Darrin McKay.

Police did not divulge how they received information regarding Lucero, noting that they could not reveal techniques used in cases involving sexual predators.

The arrest is the fourth in the past two months in which alleged sexual predators from throughout Connecticut, two whom lived in Meriden at the time of the incidents.

"It's not part of any targeted effort," McKay said Thursday. "When it comes to sexual predators, however, it's something the department takes seriously and anytime we are given information, we will follow it."

McKay said the department has been able to make arrests due to a variety of methods, including tips and concerns from residents.

"Anytime we can take one of these guys off the streets, it makes it safer for our children," he said.

Lucero is currently in custody in lieu of $150,000 in court set bonds. He is due back before a judge in Meriden Superior Court on Aug. 20, according to court records.

Make sure to like Meriden Patch on Facebook or follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!