The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is looking into the possibility of more victims linked to a 20-year-old man from Banning, who is accused of sexually abusing an 8-year-old boy and sharing videos and photos online.
Last month, John Edward Lario was taken into custody following a referral from a child exploitation team in New Zealand. On September 2, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was alerted to a link that contained videos and images of child sexual abuse materials traced back to Riverside County, according to the DA’s Office.
HSI special agents teamed up with the Riverside County Child Exploitation Team (RCCET) to conduct a search at Lario’s home.
“A search warrant served at Lario’s residence led to the identity of the alleged victim, an 8-year-old boy,” the DA’s Office said.
Lario faces serious charges from the DA’s Office, including sexual penetration or oral copulation of a child under 10, committing a lewd act with a child under 14, using a minor for sexual conduct to produce data or images, and causing unjustifiable pain or mental suffering to a minor.
If found guilty, the DA’s Office indicated that Lario could face a potential life sentence.
Bail has been established at $1 million.
Authorities are seeking assistance from the community to identify and find any additional potential victims of Lario.