Tip from Resident Leads to Sexual Predator Arrest 

November 17, 2024 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 4:25 P.M., deputies from the Southwest Sheriff Station responded to Nicolas Road Park, located at 39955 Nicolas Road, in the city of Temecula, regarding a tip that an adult was meeting with a minor for sexual purposes. Upon arrival, a deputy was met with a crowd of approximately 20 juveniles recording the encounter. Deputies detained the suspect, identified as William Vandenbush, a 46-year-old resident of Homeland, and deputies requested the Southwest Station’s Investigations Bureau to respond to assist. The investigation revealed Vandenbush sent nude photographs and agreed to meet a minor for sexual purposes. Vandenbush was arrested for several felonies and later booked into custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center for sending harmful matter to a minor, contacting a minor for sexual purposes, and arranging to meet with minor for sexual purposes. This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information will be released.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office strongly discourages residents from conducting their own undercover investigations and arranging to meet with potential suspects. This action unnecessarily jeopardized the safety of everyone in the vicinity of the park.

We encourage anyone with information related to child sexual abuse, or online sexual exploitation of minors for sex, to immediately contact their local law enforcement agency. Law enforcement professionals investigating these types of egregious crimes have specialized training and follow specific protocols to ensure a proper investigation, evidence preservation, and public safety. By following these specific protocols, the investigation is not compromised and ensures a thorough investigation is presented to their local district attorney’s office for prosecution.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Investigator Alissa Morris or Deputy Kevin Au at (951) 696-3000. This investigation is ongoing, and no further details will be released.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Joe Narciso

File # TE243200130

Source & photo: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office