Sex Offender Arrested in Tustin Library Assault of 13-Year-Old Boy

A registered sex offender was behind bars in Santa Ana today on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy inside a library restroom in Tustin.

Robert Howard Claudio, 23, of Anaheim, allegedly attacked the victim at the Orange County Library, 345 E. Main St., about 3:30 p.m. Friday, Tustin police Lt. Pat Welch said.

The boy left the library and told a security guard what happened, Welch said.

Claudio also approached the guard, Welch said.

"The suspect actually approached the civilian officer and identified himself as a registered sex offender and said that something had just occurred in the library and that he may be involved in it," Welch told KCAL9.

Police detained Claudio, who was identified by the boy and arrested, Welch said.

Claudio was expected to be booked on suspicion of sodomy of a minor and committing lewd and lascivious acts with a child younger than 14, Welch said.

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