California man accused of drugging, raping runaway juvenile in hotel; other victims sought
06/15/2020 6:02 am PDT
via KTLA:
LOMA LINDA, Calif. (KTLA) -- Investigators are looking for any possible additional victims after they arrested a man Friday on suspicion of holding a runaway girl against her will at a Loma Linda hotel, drugging her and raping her, authorities said.
Joshua Lewis Blackwell-Tallen, 31, of Loma Linda was booked on suspicion of false imprisonment, sex with a minor under 16 years old, rape of an unconscious person and arranging to meet a minor for sex, according to San Bernardino County booking records.
Deputies learned Friday of a runaway girl “who they believed was being held against her will” at a hotel in the 24000 block of University Avenue, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a written statement.
“Deputies obtained evidence that (Blackwell-Tallen) groomed the juvenile via the internet and arranged for her to be transported to the location," according to the statement. “Once at the location (he) held the victim against her will, and drugged and raped her.”
Detectives suspected Blackwell-Tallen may have victimized others. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Central Station (909) 387-3545. Callers who want to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at (800) 78-CRIME or visit the website at www.wetip.com.
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