A shelter operations manager is expected in court on Monday to face charges involving an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old shelter volunteer, authorities said.
John Patrick Moreno, 35, who is on leave from his job at Friends of Upland Animal Shelter, was arrested Sept. 21, police said. He's in jail awaiting his court hearing scheduled for Monday.
For years the suspect lived in Maryland working as the executive director of the Worcester County Humane Society. He's also a Navy veteran who worked with military dogs.
He moved to Ontario and took a job in July as the operations manager for the Upland shelter.
Earlier this month, the 15 year old girl told her parents that Moreno was trying to lure her into having sex, police said.
She said the inappropriate behavior began when Moreno gave her a ride home.
The girl's parents told police and detectives used her cellphone to engage in sexual conversations with Moreno via text.
News
Top news of the day
Detectives, acting as the girl, arranged for a meeting at a park in Upland.
"He showed up in the park with a detective waiting for him," said Lt. Eleno Arriaga, of the Upland Police Department, adding that he had alcohol and a motel room key.
The animal shelter released a statement, saying that they are cooperating with police and that moreno has been placed on administrative leave.
