Man Pleads To Trying To Molest South Pasadena Middle Schooler

SOUTH PASADENA, CA — 44-year-old man pleaded no contest Monday to attempting to molest a child and was immediately sentenced to three years in prison.

Edwin Linares was also ordered to register as a sex offender, according to the District Attorney's Office.

On April 19, Linares pulled up alongside a 13-year-old girl walking in front of South Pasadena Middle School, 1600 Oak St., and repeatedly asked her if she needed a ride, according to police and prosecutors.

The girl refused, but pulled out her cell phone and took a photo of the suspect's red Toyota Corolla, leading to Linares' arrest.

Prosecutors also alleged that Linares had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl between January and December of last year. In addition to the charge of attempted lewd act on a child -- the count to which he entered his plea -- he had faced charges of unlawful sexual intercourse, child molestation and committing a lewd act on a child.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock