June 7, 2023 - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office officials report that the EDSO High Tech Crimes Detectives were conducting an undercover internet crimes investigation when they were solicited by a 41-year-old man who thought he was chatting with a 13-year-old female.  The suspect arranged to meet with the juvenile in a public location within El Dorado County with the intentions of having sex with the girl.

On June 2, 2023, the suspect, later identified as 41-year-old Joshua Mascitelli, drove from Concord, CA. to do so, but instead met with Detectives from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.  The suspect brought condoms with him and had already booked a hotel room for them to stay in.  Instead, the suspect got a free stay in the El Dorado County Jail.

As a reminder during Internet Safety Month,  EDSO detectives are committed to protecting children from predators both online and off.  Parents should be diligent in monitoring their child’s online activities, as well as speaking to them about the importance of being careful who they speak with online, and not being afraid to speak to an adult should something happen to them.

Source & photo: El Dorado County Sheriff's Office