The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning Monday for local guardians and parents of minors to be aware of the dangers of social media after they arrested a 35-year-old Watsonville resident earlier this month on charges related to the sex assault of minors.
Luis Salas was arrested Sept. 3 by the sheriff’s office and is being held in custody without bail on charges including contacting a minor with the intent for sex, kidnapping and false imprisonment.
Detectives received a report in August of an adult male selling drugs to minors, and following their investigation they determined that there are underage sex assault victims throughout the county, including unincorporated Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Capitola and Watsonville.
“Due to the sensitivity and seriousness of the allegations, we are working in collaboration with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education to ensure that the schools and guardians of students are aware of the arrest,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a release. “We are urging parents to speak with their children regarding the use and dangers of social media while parents remain vigilant of that usage.”
In addition to the sheriff’s office, the Watsonville Police Department, Santa Cruz Police Department, Capitola Police Department and Scotts Valley Police Department are also investigating the reports.
The sheriff’s office says Salas was likely using Snapchat and other platforms to contact victims and used these Snapchat handles: “Cookies_squad,” “Penjaminpookie” and “LuciousLouie.”
They’re asking anyone with information about Luis Salas to contact their office at 831-471-1121.
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