Photo: John Titow
RIVERSIDE – Romantix touts itself as “the premier adult toy retailer in Riverside.” Its employees recently helped arrest a man as he tried to pimp out a teen there.
The story began on July 7 at 3:00 a.m. Employees from the business at 3945 Market Street called the RPD about a possible child prostitution crime.
Apparently a male adult solicited customers in the store for prostitution services with a female juvenile.
Responding officers did not locate the man or girl at that time. Further investigation led detectives to identify the juvenile, a runaway who since had returned to her home.
They also identified the male suspect – 59-year-old transient John Titow, a registered sex offender. He also has a previous conviction for lewd and lascivious acts with a child.
Police arrested Titow on August 2 and charged him with procurement of a child under 16 for lewd acts. In addition, he has a charge of supervising or aiding a prostitute.
“Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective L. Blaszak at (951) 353-7205.”
