Murrieta police arrested a 23-year-old city resident on six charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of two juvenile girls, according to a Murrieta Police Department press release.
Reece Thomas Kennedy was taken into custody early Wednesday, Nov. 4, after detectives found him inside a parked vehicle in an unincorporated area of Riverside County near Murrieta. Officers discovered a second juvenile female in the vehicle who had not been identified in the original investigation.
Detectives determined Kennedy allegedly had sexual contact with that girl shortly before officers arrived, police said. She was safely reunited with her parents.
Investigation began in September
The Murrieta Police Department received a report on Sept. 2 that Kennedy had sexually assaulted a juvenile female in July, according to the department's press release. Detectives investigated and obtained an arrest warrant.
Investigators believe Kennedy used social media to contact both juveniles and arrange to meet them, police said.
Charges
Kennedy was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on the following charges, according to the Murrieta Police Department:
- Forcible rape (Penal Code §261(a)(2))
- Forcible oral copulation (Penal Code §287(c)(2))
- Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor (Penal Code §261.5)
- Sexual penetration with person under 16 (Penal Code §289(i))
- Oral copulation with person under 16 (Penal Code §287(b)(2))
- Contacting a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense (Penal Code §288.3)
Kennedy is being held on $1 million bail at the Southwest Detention Center, according to court records cited by Patch. He was scheduled to appear in court Friday, Nov. 6, where formal charges could be filed.
All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ferrulli at 951-461-6404. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at murrietapolice.org.
