Stockton police arrest man after he allegedly kidnapped, sexually assaulted 13-year-old girl

Stockton police arrest man after he allegedly kidnapped, sexually assaulted 13-year-old girl

A 41-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl, Stockton Police Department officials announced on Friday.

Police were contacted on April 22 regarding a missing person’s report. They learned that the girl had left her home. A short time later, officers were notified of a possible sexual assault. Police say they confirmed the two incidents were related.

After an investigation by patrol officers, police said they learned the girl was walking near West Lane and the Calaveras River when she was approached by the man.

The man forced her into his vehicle and fled the area. He then sexually assaulted her in his car. Once the vehicle stopped in a parking lot, the girl escaped and called for help, according to investigators.

Dennis Lee was arrested on Thursday after detectives initiated an investigation and registered his vehicle in a law enforcement database. Members of the Auto Theft Task Force located his vehicle.

After, deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office assisted in conducting a traffic stop. Police who were also on the scene arrested Lee, who was found to be in possession of a replica firearm.

According to jail records, Lee was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail at 2:05 p.m. Thursday on suspicion of seven felonies:

  • Oral copulation by use of force;

  • Oral copulation of a person under 14;

  • Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14;

  • Sexual penetration of a person under 14 with force;

  • Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 with force;

  • Aggravated sexual assault of a minor with a foreign object.

Lee has an extensive criminal history, including offenses such as manslaughter, prostitution and sexual assaults, according to police.

“We are relieved that the victim has been safely located, and we commend her bravery,” Stockton Police Department officials said in a statement. “We would also like to extend our gratitude to our law enforcement partners for their continued collaboration. This case was managed with exceptional professionalism by all involved, and we would like to give special recognition to our detectives for their prompt actions and thorough investigation, which ultimately led to the suspect’s apprehension. Their dedicated efforts have played a crucial role in preventing further potential harm to victims.”

Bail for Lee is set at $4,005,000. He is scheduled to appear in San Joaquin County Superior Court for arraignment at 1:30 p.m. on Monday.

Police are asking for anyone who may have been victimized by Lee to contact the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8377 or Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Girl, 13, kidnapped and sexually assaulted in Stockton; man arrested

DJ Kamal Mustafa

DJ Kamal Mustafa

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