A Watsonville man arrested by Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies on Sept. 3 is suspected of using social media to contact a minor with the intent of sex.
Luis Salas, 35, was charged with false imprisonment, human trafficking, kidnapping, contacting a minor with the intent to engage in sexual conduct and annoying or molesting a child, among other charges.
He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail without bail, jail records showed. His next court date is Oct. 3.
Detectives arrested Salas of Watsonville on charges related to the sexual assault of minors, but posted information publicly on Sept. 30.
In August detectives received a report involving an adult male selling drugs to minors. Detectives believe there are victims throughout the county.
According to the SCSO, Salas has used social media to contact victims, primarily via Snapchat. Salas was known to use variations of the snapchat handles “Cookies_squad,” “Penjaminpookie,” and
“LuciousLouie.”
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, Watsonville Police Department, Santa Cruz Police Department, Capitola Police Department and Scotts Valley Police Department are assisting in the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 831.471.1121
In a letter sent to parents countywide, school district superintendents urged parents to discuss the safe and responsible use of social media with their children, and remind them of the importance of not interacting with strangers online and to report any suspicious activity to a trusted adult.
For information, visit oag.ca.gov/cybersafety/children
HO HUM (shout the Watsonvillagers).
What does Luis do for a living? Teacher? Administrator? Janitor?