Big Bear Man, 33, Accused Of Trying To Have Sex With Minor
BIG BEAR (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say a 33-year-old Big Bear man has been arrested for attempting to meet up with a minor for sex.
Officials said James Simmons believed he was meeting in person a minor he met on social media. The minor was actually a decoy, police said.
Simmons initiated the chat Tuesday. Officials described the chat as sexual in nature and graphic. Authorities said he also sent pictures of his genitalia to the decoy.
He reportedly asked the decoy to skip school and ride the bus to Big Bear to meet up.
Simmons, according to police, offered to take the girl back to his home and engage in sex acts. He also said he would supply her with marijuana.
Thursday, around 11:30 a.m., Highland Police Detectives and Detectives from the Big Bear Sheriff's Station responded to the location where Simmons was set to meet the minor. Officials said he arrived and tried to lure the decoy into his car.
When arrested, detectives said they also found marijuana in the vehicle.
A search warrant was served at Simmons' home in the City of Big Bear, where he lives with his brother who officials said is convicted felon Jason Simmons, 37.
Detectives located a marijuana cultivation operation in the home, where the two were growing several marijuana plants, and were in possession of approximately five pounds of processed marijuana packaged for sale.
In the home, detectives said they also uncovered a large amount of ammunition including loaded rifles in both of the brother's bedrooms.
The two subjects were growing and selling marijuana under the guise of the pot being used as medical marijuana. Authorities said the brothers were not in compliance with the California Medical Marijuana law.
James was arrested for contacting a child with the intent of committing lewd acts, meeting a child with the intent to commit lewd acts, sending lewd pictures to a child, cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. Authorities believe he has previously met or tried to meet with minors for sex. Highland Police Detectives are urging the public to come forward if they know of someone underage who may have met with him. Call Detective Patton at (909) 425-9793 at ext. 246. If you choose to remain anonymous, call WE TIP at 1-800=78-CRIME.
Jason was arrested for cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and felon in possession of a gun.
Both brothers were booked into County Jail where they are being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
