The parents of a 14-year-old Turlock girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 22-year-old man following an on-going Instagram relationship is speaking out in defense of their daughter and parenting abilities.
In an interview with Central Valley TV, the girl’s father, who wishes to remain anonymous, says he was unaware of any communication between the man, Eladio Ramirez, of Modesto, and their daughter.
“We don’t allow her internet service or a telephone. She goes and does chores at her grandmother’s each day. Her grandmother bought her a phone in secret and had her keep it from us. Each day she would go to clean she would get on Instagram and contact this predator,” he told CVTV. “This little girl was easily manipulated and psychologically over powered that this was right for him to do this to her.”
Ramirez was arrested on charges including two counts of sodomy, two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior, penetration with a foreign object and unlawful sexual intercourse.
In recent days social media websites have been abuzz with commentary, questioning the girls' parenting and supervision following the incident.
The alleged sexual assault was brought to the attention of Turlock police after the girl was found sitting on a curb crying. The girl had left her home without her parent’s permission to meet up with Ramirez, police said.
Turlock police say she met with Ramirez a total of four times since the Instagram relationship began, when the victim was 13. Police say Ramirez contacted her on Instagram and began discourse with her, eventually convincing her to meet.
“This is the first case related to Instagram TPD has investigated. We want everyone in Turlock and surrounding cities to know that there are sexual predators out there waiting for an opportunity to commit these type of crimes.” Turlock Police Spokesperson Mayra Lewis said.
Investigators are seeking other potential victims and are asked to contact Det. Jason Tosta at 209-668-5550 ext 6624.
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