A 28-year-old man accused of sexually abusing a juvenile after contacting the victim through social media was arrested Thursday in Tulare County, the Porterville Police Department said Friday.

Detectives began investigating the case March 20 after being called to a report involving a juvenile victim in Porterville.

During the investigation, detectives learned the suspect, identified as Antonio Martinez, allegedly communicated with the victim through social media and traveled to Porterville several times to meet with the victim and engage in sexual conduct.

Investigators identified Martinez as being from Salinas and determined he had been absconding from parole through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the past year.

After tracking Martinez to the Delano area, detectives conducted a joint operation Thursday with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Team. Martinez was located in Richgrove and taken into custody.

Martinez was booked into the South County Detention Facility.

Got a Tip?

Police said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400.

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