Four suspects have been charged in Marin County Superior Court in connection with a sting operation targeting child molestation.
“The operation was carried out in response to the escalating threat of online exploitation of children by perpetrators who use their anonymity to gain access to children,” Marin County District Attorney Lori Frugoli said.
Several law enforcement agencies in Marin participated in the bust, which was conducted on Feb. 13 in Marinwood. The effort included the Marin County District Attorney’s Office and the Specialized Investigative Unit of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office.
The prosecution identified the suspects as Owen Michael Dombrowski, 26, of San Rafael; Nassor Ngabira, 24, of Santa Rosa; Melvin Rodriguez-Delafuente, 27, of Richmond; and Jose Ruiz Magallon, 38, of Oakland.
All of the suspects were charged with the felonies of contacting a minor for lewd purposes and arranging a meeting with a minor for the same offense. Rodriguez-Delafuente was also charged with a misdemeanor of attempting to furnish alcohol to a minor.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Adam Schermerhorn said an undercover detective made online contact with suspects who attempted to meet minors for sex on social media and dating apps. Suspects who arranged to have an in-person meeting were arrested at the site, he said.
In one case, Schermerhorn said, a suspect believed he would be meeting a 13-year-old child for sex.
“This is a good time to remind parents and caregivers to continuously educate themselves and their children on the dangers of the internet, to monitor their children’s usage and to have open conversations about the risks associated with online chat platforms,” Frugoli said.
Ngabira remains in custody at the Marin County Jail, where his bail amount is set at $100,000. His plea hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Public defender Hayden Brown could not be reached for comment.
Dombrowski posted a bond and was released from custody on Feb. 14, according to court records. His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday. Dombrowski’s defense attorney, Will Morehead, could not be reached for comment.
Rodriguez-Delafuente posted a bond and left jail on Feb. 14. He pleaded not guilty to his charges Friday. Judge Kevin Murphy set his next hearing for May 1. Public defender Dominik Taylor declined to comment on the case.
Ruiz Magallon was released from custody Friday after Judge Geoffrey Howard approved a request by a public defender. The judge also ordered the defendant to wear a GPS monitor; stay at least 20 yards away from schools, playgrounds and day care centers; and not be alone with a minor without another adult present.
Ruiz Magallon’s plea hearing is scheduled for Thursday. Public defender Nicole Tiger declined to comment on his case.