Suspect Arrested in Irvine Child Rape Investigation; Detectives Seek Potential Additional Victims
IRVINE, CA — Detectives with the Irvine Police Department have arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the rape of a minor and are appealing to the public for information regarding potential additional victims.
The investigation began last month after a 13-year-old victim reported an assault that took place in July at an Irvine park. Investigators determined that the suspect contacted the minor on the social media platform Snapchat while posing as a 17-year-old before arranging to meet in person.
On Oct. 1, 2026, Irvine Police detectives located and arrested 25-year-old Juan Carlos Amaya in Baldwin Park. Amaya was booked into the Orange County Jail on multiple charges, including rape by force or fear, using an underage person for obscene matter, and lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old.
