Crime & Safety

Murrieta Man Allegedly Solicits Minor Through Internet Chat

Joshua Stotler, 30, was arrested Wednesday in Moreno Valley when investigators went to a planned meeting spot.

An alleged illicit internet chat relationship with a 14-year-old led to the arrest of a Murrieta man on Wednesday.

Joshua Stotler, 30, was arrested on suspicion of solicitation for lewd acts when investigators said he went to meet with the victim.

Investigators with Riverside County's multi-agency Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force learned of the relationship in February. By mid-March, they had identifed Stotler as the suspected perpetrator, said Sgt. Bruce Smith of the SAFE Task Force in a news release.

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Smith said investigators became aware of a planned meeting between the minor female and Stotler, scheduled for noon Wednesday in Moreno Valley. Smith said it was then that Stotler hoped the minor would perform lewd acts with him.

Investigators went to the planned location at a commercial business establishment located near the intersection of Pigeon Pass Road and Hemlock Avenue in Moreno Valley, Smith said, where they waited for Stotler to arrive.

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When the suspect arrived, he was arrested on suspicion of several crimes relating to the solicitation. Stotler also allegedly had a billy club in his vehicle, which according to Smith was an illegal weapon worthy of felony.

The 14-year-old juvenile Stotler allegedy hoped to meet was not present when he arrived, Smith said, and was not involved in Stotler’s arrest.

Stotler was subsequently booked at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Robert Presley Detention Center. He was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.


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