Suspected child sex predator arrested in Riverside County

A man was arrested after allegedly trying to pick up a 14-year-old girl for sex in Southern California.

The suspect was identified as Laith Fathi Sikta, 44, from Sacramento, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities completed a month-long undercover operation focusing on suspects soliciting sex from minors online.

During the investigation, Sikta had been communicating with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl who, in reality, was an undercover officer. 

Plans were made to meet up with the suspect. On Aug. 30, Sikta drove from Sacramento to Murrieta believing he would pick up the young girl in the middle of the night. 

When Sikta arrived, he was immediately taken into custody by deputies. Cannabis was also located in his vehicle, authorities said.

Sikta was arrested on multiple charges including 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.

The incident remains under investigation. 

Anybody with information on the case is encouraged to call Deputy Au or Lead Investigator Roberge at the Southwest Sheriff Station at 951-696–3000.