A 28-year-old Visalia woman was arrested for allegedly engaging in a romantic relationship with a 15-year-old girl, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office said on Wednesday.

Detectives began investigating after receiving a report from a concerned parent on Nov. 5, alleging the teen was involved with an adult. The investigation revealed the victim had been communicating with the woman over text messages and that the adult intended to meet the teen for sexual purposes.

Maricsa Banuelos was taken into custody after deputies obtained a warrant and was booked into the Tulare County Jail on a felony charge of communicating with a minor with the intent to commit a sexual act.

Got a Tip?

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Christopher Durkee at (559) 733-6218 or remain anonymous by calling or texting (559) 725-4194, or via email at tcso@tipnow.com.

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