Over the past few months, the Garden Grove Police Department has received reports of a male engaging in lewd conduct in front of teenage girls.
This is generally occurring just before or after school hours when juveniles are walking to/or from school. We are seeking any additional victims that may have encountered similar crimes.
If you believe you were a victim in this case, please contact Detective Baker at 714-741-5837.
- VEHICLE: A gray or pewter Infinity similar to the pictures
- SUSPECT: Male, White, approximately 20-25 years old, brown hair & a slim build
In California, a suspect engaging in lewd conduct in front of minors as described could face a combination of charges under the Penal Code, with penalties ranging from jail time to mandatory lifelong sex offender registration.
Potential Criminal Charges and Penalties
- Indecent Exposure (PC 314): This is the primary charge for willfully exposing genitals in public with lewd intent.
- First-Time Offense: Typically a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Mandatory Registration: A conviction requires registration as a sex offender under Penal Code 290 for a minimum of 10 years or potentially life.
- Aggravated/Repeat Offense: If the suspect has prior sex crime convictions, the charge can be elevated to a felony, carrying 16 months to 3 years in state prison.
- Annoying or Molesting a Child (PC 647.6): This charge applies to conduct motivated by an abnormal sexual interest in minors under 18.
- Penalties: Usually a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $5,000 fine.
- Felony Elevation: If the suspect has certain prior sex crime convictions, penalties increase to 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison.
- Registration: Conviction under this section also triggers mandatory sex offender registration.
- Lewd Conduct in Public (PC 647(a)): If the suspect was touching themselves sexually, they could also be charged under this section, which carries up to 6 months in jail.
