Overview
- Police arrested 24-year-old Darwin Linares on March 18 after officers found him in a Watsonville hotel room with a 15-year-old girl reported missing from Fresno; he was booked on a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.
- Investigators say analysis of seized devices and accounts uncovered communications with dozens of underage girls across several states and that two additional victims have been identified since the March arrest.
- Police allege Linares used multiple social media platforms and apps, often posing as a minor and using false names and ages to groom and meet underage girls for sexual contact.
- Linares remains in custody at the Santa Cruz County Jail while detectives build evidence; investigators say more charges are possible as they identify victims and work with other jurisdictions.
- Authorities ask anyone who may have been a victim or has information to contact Detective Ambriz at 831-768-3358, and they note the Fresno teen found in March was located safe while the probe continues across state lines.