
A 33-year-old Big Bear City man has been arrested on a charge of contacting a child to commit lewd acts. (File Photo)
By G. T. Houts
Big Bear City, CA – A 33-year-old Big Bear City man – identified as James Douglas Simmons – has been arrested in a sexual enticement case and he and his 37-year-old brother on drug related charges.
The sexual enticement case – involving deputies at the Highland Police Department — prompted the arrest of the younger Simmons, a Big Bear City resident, and the subsequent arrest of his brother after deputies found five pounds of pot in their home, sheriff’s officials say.
THE INVESTIGATION
The investigation focused on James Simmons, who allegedly engaged in a private message chat on a social media site with a decoy who was pretending to be a 16-year-old girl.
“James Simmons then sent nude photos … to the decoy,” deputies said in a media advisory. “Simmons then asked the decoy … to skip school and ride the city bus to Big Bear (so they could) engage in sexual acts.”
THE ARREST
He was arrested at 11:43 a.m. Thursday, September 24, at the Interlaken Shopping Center along Big Bear Boulevard by Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies. Jail records show the suspect was booked for investigation of contacting a child with intent to commit lewd acts, meeting a child for the same purpose and sending lewd pictures to a child.
Detectives made the arrest after Simmons tried to lure the decoy into his vehicle, which contained marijuana.
SEARCH WARRANT
Investigators then served a search warrant at Simmons’ home, which the press release states he shares with his older brother, who was described as a convicted felon.
Besides the marijuana, sheriff’s officials say the house contained a large amount of ammunition and loaded rifles in the bedrooms of both men.
Jason Daniel Simmons, 37, was arrested at 4 p.m. Thursday along the 300 block of West Sherwood Boulevard in Big Bear City. He was booked for investigation of cultivating marijuana, possessing marijuana for sale and being a felon in possession of a gun, according to the news release.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The brothers are currently in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.
Bail for both men has been set at $50,000.
Their first court appearance will be a video arraignment on Monday, September 28, at 12:30 p.m.
OTHER POSSIBLE INCIDENTS
Detectives believe that James Simmons has previously met with and chatted with other minors with the intent to have sexual relations.
Individuals that may have met or talked with the younger Simmons are urged to contact Highland Police Detectives at (909) 425-9793, extension 246.
If you choose to remain anonymous, call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.
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