| For Immediate Release Case # 10NF0531
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Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
PAROLEE TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL
HE MET ON MYSPACE
SANTA ANA – A parolee will be arraigned today for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl he met on MySpace. Matthew Castaneda, 33, Anaheim, is charged with two felony counts of lewd act on a child under 14 and sentencing enhancement allegations for a prison prior substantial and sexual conduct with a child. The defendant was on parole for a 2007 prior conviction for felony domestic violence and violating a restraining order. If convicted, Castaneda faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in state prison. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.
In November 2009, Castaneda is accused of meeting 12-year-old Jane Doe on MySpace and having online contact with her. On Feb. 17, 2010, the defendant is accused of meeting the victim near South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and taking an Orange County Transit Authority bus with her to Anaheim. At approximately 6:00 p.m., after walking around in two different parks, Castaneda is accused of taking Jane Doe to his motel room at Zaby’s Motor Lodge on Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue in Anaheim. He is accused of sexually assaulting the victim at the motel and fleeing the scene.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., Jane Doe left the room, found an Anaheim Police Civilian Traffic Controller, and asked to be taken home. Jane Doe was reported missing that same day to the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD). Upon further investigation, SAPD officials learned that she was sexually assaulted by Castaneda.
On the evening of Feb. 19, 2010, Anaheim police officers located and arrested Castaneda at a warehouse on Placentia Avenue in Costa Mesa.
The defendant was known to frequent Zaby’s Motor Lodge and the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Randy Litwin at (714) 347-8794.
Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Herrera of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.
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