RSM Man Charged As Serial Sexual Predator

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — A 67-year-old Rancho Santa Margarita was accused of being a serial sexual predator. Manuel Pedro Medina was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault, with at least three girls, dating back to 2013.

Medina was charged with seven felony counts of lewd acts on a minor younger than 14, with a sentencing enhancement allegation for multiple alleged victims.

Orange County sheriff's deputies received a call on Aug. 28 from an informant who alleged that two children younger than 14 were being sexually assaulted by Medina, said sheriff's department spokeswoman Carrie Braun.

Investigators said Medina knew the victims, but declined to elaborate, Braun said. She did not know where the alleged attacks took place.

The two youngsters the tipster told investigators about were 11 and 13 when they were allegedly assaulted in 2016 and 2015, Braun said. A third victim was allegedly assaulted in 2013, according to court records.

Medina was being held in Central Men's Jail on $1 million bail. His next court appearance was scheduled for Oct. 19, according to OCSD.

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