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A 41-year-old man has been apprehended after allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, according to officials from the Stockton Police Department.
On April 22, authorities received a report regarding a missing girl and later discovered that she had left her home. Investigations soon linked this report to a potential sexual assault incident.
Following an investigation by police, it was revealed that the girl had been walking near West Lane and the Calaveras River when she encountered the suspect.
The man reportedly forced her into his vehicle, where he sexually assaulted her. The girl managed to escape and call for help once the vehicle stopped in a parking lot, according to investigators.
Dennis Lee was arrested on Thursday after detectives conducted a thorough investigation, which included registering his vehicle in a law enforcement database. The Auto Theft Task Force located his vehicle shortly thereafter.
Deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office assisted in initiating a traffic stop. Police officers who were present arrested Lee, who was found in possession of a replica firearm.
Records indicate that Lee was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail at 2:05 p.m. on Thursday on suspicion of several serious felonies, including:
Oral copulation by use of force;
Oral copulation of a person under 14;
Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14;
Sexual penetration of a person under 14 with force;
Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 with force;
Aggravated sexual assault of a minor with a foreign object.
Lee is reported to have a significant criminal history, with prior offenses that include manslaughter, prostitution, and sexual assaults.
In a statement, the Stockton Police Department expressed relief over the safe recovery of the victim, commending her courage. They also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and praised the detectives involved for their swift action and comprehensive investigation, which led to the suspect’s arrest. Their meticulous work is seen as pivotal in averting further potential harm.
Lee’s bail has been set at $4,005,000, and he is scheduled to appear for arraignment in the San Joaquin County Superior Court at 1:30 p.m. on Monday.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have been victimized by Lee to reach out to the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8377 or contact Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600.
Source
www.yahoo.com