Man Accused of Attempted Molestation Arrested

Police detectives said Thursday they arrested a Pasadena man on charges of false imprisonment and attempted child molestation, following a complex investigation involving Pasadena Police Investigators, the U.S. Marshals, and the cooperation of the Mexican Government.

According to police, Robert James Ruiz, 48, of Pasadena, allegedly held an underage female against her will in a motel room and attempted to molest her. The location of the motel was not given.

Pasadena Detective Lt. Tracey Ibarra explained, in a prepared statement, that when Ruiz learned that he was wanted by police, he called the handling detective and declared that he had no intention of going back to prison and that he had left the area. Working with multiple resources, investigators tracked Ruiz to Mexico where he was ultimately arrested without incident she said.

“Mr. Ruiz had an association with the victim’s family and took advantage of this relationship,” Ibarra said. “Having Mr. Ruiz at large to potentially assault or molest another female, and his threat of violence when arrested, made him a threat to the public and law enforcement. “

“This collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies to track and arrest Mr. Ruiz resulted in a dangerous 2nd strike criminal being taken off the streets,” said Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez. “It was excellent work by all involved.”

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office filed attempted lewd acts with a minor, false imprisonment, child abuse, and indecent exposure toward a minor. He was arraigned Monday with a bail set at $1.2 million Ibarra said.