September 2, 2024 - Riverside County Sheriff Department officials report on Friday, August 30, 2024, the Southwest Sheriff’s Station Investigations Bureau completed a month-long undercover operation for soliciting sex of a minor online.

During the investigation, a 44-year-old male from Sacramento, Laith Fathi Sikta, communicated his intent to have sex and arranged to meet for sex with whom he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but was actually an online undercover peace officer.

On August 30, Sikta drove from Sacramento to Murrieta with the plan to pick up the minor in the middle of the night. Sikta was immediately apprehended by deputies and investigators. Cannabis was located in Sikta’s vehicle.

Sikta was booked into custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center for contacting a minor with the intent to have sex, sending harmful matter through electronic means to a minor, and offering to furnish cannabis to a minor. .

This is an ongoing investigation, and no further details will be released. Anybody with information on this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Au or Lead Investigator Roberge at the Southwest Sheriff Station, (951) 696–3000.
Source: Riverside County Sheriff Department