Photo: Daniel S. Paul
MARTINEZ — A man remains in custody for allegedly attempting to arrange a meeting for sex with an underage girl. The suspected pedophile was arrested in May following an undercover investigation.
Authorities learned that a man from Contra Costa County was under investigation in a foreign country. The suspect allegedly distributed inappropriate materials to a minor living outside of the U.S.
After learning of this foreign inquiry, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force launched its own investigation. The task force managed by the San Jose Police Department and works with other police agencies.
Investigators established contact with the suspect via text messages. During an exchange of messages, the suspect communicated with an agent he believed was a 14-year-old girl. Soon afterward he expressed interest in meeting for sex.
The suspect identified as Daniel S. Paul, 40 of Clayton, arranged a meeting to engage in sexual acts. On May 20, Paul traveled to Hidden Lakes Park in Martinez, where he was taken into custody.
When Paul’s vehicle was searched, authorities found condoms and alcohol that he brought along with him. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility, where he is ineligible for release on bond.
Paul faces five charges in connection with arranging to meet a minor for sex. These include attempting lewd acts with a minor, arranging to meet a minor for sex and unlawful communications with a minor.
