The Sierra Vista Police Department arrested a man, 45-year-old Anthony Perez, on charges that include sexual assault, sexual conduct with a minor, and aggravated luring of a minor. Perez was arrested on Tuesday evening as part of an undercover sting operation.
The operation began after Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD) detectives learned that Perez, a Cochise County resident, was alleged to have sexually molested a young juvenile girl he had befriended over the course of multiple years. SVPD undercover detectives posed as the juvenile and engaged in prolonged electronic communication with Perez.
Perez expressed interest in the juvenile sneaking out of her residence without her parents’ consent for the specific purpose of engaging in sexual activity with Perez. A meeting place and time was agreed upon. When Perez arrived at the designated location, he found police detectives waiting for him.
Perez was arrested at about 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, in the general area of Golf Links Road and Buffalo Soldier Trail. He was booked into the Cochise County Jail on charges of sexual assault, sexual conduct with a minor, aggravated luring of a minor, DUI to the slightest degree, and DUI with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08. He is being held with no bond.
Anyone familiar with Perez who has information that could be pertinent to this case or any other investigation is asked to contact SVPD Detective Justin Dannels by calling (520) 452-7500.