On November 4, Berkeley Police detectives arrested a 39-year-old man accused of sexually exploiting a 13-year-old girl he met through social media.
On November 4, Berkeley Police detectives arrested a 39-year-old man accused of sexually exploiting a 13-year-old girl he met through social media.
The investigation began on October 12, when a parent reported discovering that their daughter had been sending explicit images to an unknown man she met online.
During the investigation, officers learned that the suspect began communicating with the victim through a texting application. Despite being told the girl was 13, the suspect continued demanding explicit images, threatening to expose images she had already sent if she refused to cooperate. He also demanded to know her home address.
Through investigative work and the execution of search warrants, detectives identified the suspect as Raymond Pearce, 39, and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
On November 4, members of the Berkeley Police Department’s Bicycle Team located Pearce in the South Campus area and took him into custody without incident.
On November 5, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges:
- PC 288.3(a): Contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sex crime
- PC 520: Extortion
- PC 311.4(c): Coercing a minor to perform sex acts
- PC 311.11(a): Possession of child sexual abuse material
- PC 647.6(a)(1): Annoying a minor
This case serves as an important reminder for parents and guardians to stay engaged in their children's online activities. Predators may use social media and messaging applications to build relationships with minors, manipulate them, and threaten them into sharing explicit images or personal information.
If your child discloses something concerning about an online interaction, take it seriously and report it to law enforcement.
Case 2026-00045542
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