Deputy Arrested On Suspicion Of Groping Teen In North County

VISTA, CA – A San Diego County sheriff's deputy has been arrested on suspicion of groping a teenage girl two months ago at a North County restaurant, Sheriff Bill Gore announced Friday. Timothy Wilson Jr., 32, allegedly fondled the 14-year-old at a Panda Express in Vista.

In April, authorities released surveillance photos and video of a man who walked into the Panda Express on Main Street around 7 p.m. March 21 and grabbed the girl's buttocks while she was waiting in line to order food, according to the sheriff's department. The man did not say anything and quickly left the restaurant in a black sedan, officials said.

A month later, a sheriff's employee pointed out Wilson as a possible lookalike to the suspect and notified the department. Detectives worked to confirm the identity of the suspect, officials said.

"I am deeply disappointed with Mr. Wilson's conduct, but proud of the men and women of this department who do not tolerate criminal acts in the community or within their own ranks," Sheriff Bill Gore said.

Wilson, a 10-year member of the sheriff's department, was working as a detentions deputy at Vista Jail. He was booked Friday into Central Jail on suspicion of committing a lewd act on a minor and placed on unpaid leave, Gore said.

Anyone with information about this case or any other case where Wilson might be involved was asked to contact the sheriff's Sexual Assault Unit at 858-974-2316. To make an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

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Images via San Diego County Sheriff's Departmet