Petaluma Police Accuse Man Of Attempting Lewd Act With Girl, 14

PETALUMA, CA —Following a weeks-long investigation, a 25-year-old Santa Rosa man was arrested Monday by Petaluma police on suspicion of attempting to commit a lewd act with a 14-year-old Petaluma girl, Sgt. Paul Gilman of the Petaluma Police Department said Tuesday.

Police identified the Santa Rosa man as Teryl Lange, and said the girl's mother was looking through her daughter's cell phone in March when she discovered messages from an older man who identified himself as Tyson, Gilman said.

Police said when the mother texted Lange pretending to be her daughter, Lange texted back saying he would meet the girl and give her marijuana and alcohol.

"After an interview with the minor, it was learned [the 14-year-old girl] had previously met with Lange and he had sexually battered her in his vehicle," Gilman said.

Petaluma police Detective Corie Joerger was given permission to access the girl's phone and to pose as the 14-year-old in an attempt to illicit statements or further attempts to meet with the minor, Gilman said.

The detective texted back and forth with Lange for 10 days, during which time Lange is accused of sending rideshares to pick up the victim, according to Petaluma police.

On Monday — 4-20 — Lange offered to bring the girl marijuana if she met him at Casa Grande High School near the baseball fields, Gilman said.

Joerger and Detective Parnow, along with patrol officers, were waiting for Lange when he got to the high school with the marijuana, Gilman said.

Lange was booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of attempting a lewd act with a 14-year-old child at least 10 years younger than him.

Lange was no longer in custody as of Tuesday, according to Sonoma County jail records.

He posted $40,000 and was released Monday, according to Misti Wood, spokesperson for the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office which operates the jail.

Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact Detective Joerger at 707-778-4456.

The Petaluma Police Department said the case is a reminder that parents and guardians should have conversations with their children about online safety.

"This is evidence that parents need to be vigilant and proactive in the safety of their children," Gilman said.

For more information about online safety, go to: Pollyklaas.org/internet-safety/, the sergeant said.