Othello man accused of molesting teen

OTHELLO — A Othello man was arrested for allegedly setting up a fake Facebook account and having an inappropriate relationship with a teenager.

On Feb. 8 the Adams County Sheriff’s Office learned of a possible sex offense involving a 25-year-old male and a 13-year-old girl. The suspect, later identified as Jose L. Delacruz-Pineda, 25, of Othello, was allegedly sending the victim inappropriate pictures through a fake Facebook account using the name “Jorge Pineda,” according to the ACSO.

Delacruz-Pineda allegedly obtained inappropriate pictures of the victim and told her he would post them onto Facebook if she didn’t send him more pictures. Deputies were able to link Delacruz-Pineda to the “Jorge Pineda” Facebook account and took him into custody.

Deputies obtained a search warrant for Delacruz-Pineda’s phone and reportedly discovered incriminating photos and messages on the phone. In addition, deputies learned the suspect used the fake Facebook account to message “younger looking females.” Possible additional victims were also discovered on the phone, whom deputies are currently working to identify.

The sheriff’s office recommends parents monitor their children’s activity on social media and know who they are talking to online. Online predators are using fake Facebook accounts to target young teenagers.

Delacruz-Pineda allegedly confessed to a “variety” of crimes and was booked into the Adams County Jail on an outstanding warrant and suspicion of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes, cyberstalking and second-degree child molestation.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.