Authorities announced on Saturday that a group of youths had arrested a man from his country after allegedly exposing him as a sex offender.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that deputies responded to Nicholas Road Park in Temecula Friday afternoon after receiving a tip that an adult was meeting a minor for sexual purposes.
“Upon arrival, the deputy encountered approximately 20 juveniles and recorded the encounter,” the department said.
Officers detained the suspect, identified as 46-year-old William Vandenbusch.
Authorities said an investigation revealed Vandenbusch sent nude photos and agreed to meet minors for sexual purposes.
Police arrested Vandenbusch on multiple felonies, including sending harmful substance to a minor, contacting a minor for sexual purposes, and meeting a minor for sexual purposes, the department said. He was reportedly lodged at Koisbad Jail for making arrangements.
The sheriff’s office did not specify in a press release how the boys exposed Vandenbusch, but authorities say residents conducted stings on their own and identified potential suspects. He urged people to refrain from arranging meetings.
“This action needlessly jeopardized the safety of everyone in the vicinity of the park,” the department wrote. “We encourage anyone with information regarding child sexual abuse or online sexual exploitation of minors to contact local law enforcement immediately.”
“Law enforcement professionals who investigate these types of heinous crimes are professionally trained and follow specific procedures to ensure proper investigation, preservation of evidence, and public safety,” the Sheriff’s Office said. continued. “Following these specific steps will ensure that the investigation is not compromised and a thorough investigation is submitted to the local district attorney’s office for prosecution.”
Officials said this is an ongoing investigation but no further information will be released.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Detective Alyssa Morris or Deputy Kevin Orr at 951-696-3000.
