A 19-year-old Colton man faces child molesting and kidnapping charges in connection with the assault of a neighborhood boy under the age of 14.
Lee Ruiz Ortega is jailed in connection with the attack that happened Jan. 13 in the gated apartment complex on East Washington Street in Colton, where the victim, his family and the suspect live, police said.
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The boy had taken the bus home and was walking through the complex when Ortega allegedly approached him and took his hand, said Detective Ray Mendez, of the Colton Police Department.
"Ortega told him not to make any noise or try to run or he would hurt him," Mendez said.
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The boy was led a short distance to Ortega's apartment, where the assault allegedly occurred, police said.
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The boy waited four days before telling his mother, who contacted police, Mendez said.
Ortega faces kidnapping for child molestation and charges of three sexual acts by force.
It's believed he had been living with a roommate in the apartment complex for about 6 months. Police were told it was a transitional living arrangement from foster care.
The roommate was not implicated in the attack.
During the investigation, it was learned Ortega spent considerable time with boys much younger than he, and Mendez is concerned there may be other victims.
The detective is asking anyone with information about other incidents to contact the Colton Police at 909-370-5000.
