A man has been arrested after alleging making an arrangement via social media to meet a boy at a Huntington Beach park for sexual purposes, authorities said Monday.
Police were made aware of the incident at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday from a report of a disturbance at Huntington Beach Central Park, 18002 Goldenwest St., according to Public Affairs Officer Jessica Cuchilla of the Huntington Beach Police Department.
“It was reported that a social media film crew had confronted an adult male who had made arrangements for sexual contact with a juvenile male,” Cuchilla said. “Patrol officers arrived and made contact with all parties involved. The male was actually communicating with the social media crew.”
Officers arrested Jerry Robert Mejias, 61, based on statements and corroborating evidence from the investigation, on suspicion of arranging a meeting with a minor to engage in lewd contact, she said.
No additional details were released.
“Although we understand the intent, the Huntington Beach Police Department cannot stress enough the dangers of conducting `To Catch a Predator’ style investigations and meeting in person,” the department said in a statement.
Anyone with information about the case was urged to call the HBPD at 714-878-5640 or OC Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.