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Cypress Man Accused Of Sexually Preying On Underage Girls Through Social Media

CYPRESS (CBSLA.com) — A 45-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly trying to lure underage girls on social media sites in order to strike up a sexual relationship.

Officials arrested Michael Theodore Mordaunt, of Cypress, and he's since been released on $300,000 bail, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Mordaunt faces 24 felony counts related to allegedly committing lewd acts on a child, contacting children with the intent to commit a lewd act and possessing child pornography, the OCDA reported. The charges carry a sentencing enhancement allegation for substantial sexual conduct with a child.

If convicted, the defendant could face nearly 28 years in state prison and have to register for the rest of his life as a sex offender.

Investigators say, between February 2009 and January 2014, Mordaunt created Myspace and Facebook profiles and used the image of a boy surfer. He would allegedly contact underage girls, primarily between the ages of 12 and 16, and engage in sexually explicit conversations. He'd often request racy photos from the girls, police reported, and would even arrange to meet the girls.

On multiple occasions, Mourdant is accused on commiting lewd acts on the underage girls he arranged to meet, police said.

At the time, Mordaunt was working in Boeing's Information Technology Department in Seal Beach.

Police suspect there may be other potential victims and are asking anyone with information to call Investigator Young at (714) 741-5836.

Mordaunt was expected to be arraigned July 28 in a Westminster courtroom.

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