Man Busted For Trying To Meet Up With Teen In OC, Police Say

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — A man was arrested after he tried to make an arrangement via social media to meet a boy at a Huntington Beach park for sexual purposes, police said Monday.

Police were notified of the incident at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday from a report of a disturbance at Huntington Beach Central Park, 18002 Goldenwest St., according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.

"It was reported that a social media film crew had confronted an adult male who made arrangements for sexual contact with a juvenile male," Officer Jessica Cuchilla of the Huntington Beach Police Department said.

"Patrol officers arrived and made contact with all parties involved. The male was actually communicating with the social media crew."

61-year-old Jerry Robert Mejias was arrested based on statements and corroborating evidence from the investigation, on suspicion of arranging a meeting with a minor to engage in lewd contact, police said.

"Although we understand the intent, the Huntington Beach Police Department cannot stress enough the dangers of conducting 'To Catch a Predator' style investigations and meeting in person," the department said in a statement.

Anyone with information about the case was urged to call the HBPD at 714-878-5640 or OC Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.