Child sex predator arrested during undercover operation

Child sex predator arrested during undercover operation

Published on April 24, 2026

Menlo Park, Calif. - On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Menlo Park Police Department, in coordination with Sunnyvale Police Department, Newark Police Department, and the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC), concluded a multi-day operation with the arrest of an individual who traveled to the City of Menlo Park with the intent to sexually victimize children.

As part of the operation, law enforcement personnel used social media platforms while posing as minors to identify, contact, and arrest individuals attempting to exploit children for sexual purposes.

Detectives were contacted by a suspect who, after learning of the purported minor's age, arranged to meet at specific locations within the City of Menlo Park. In these encounters, suspects used sexually explicit language and / or sent graphic photos to undercover personnel. Once the suspects arrived at the agreed location, they were taken into custody.

Ricardo Antonio Romerolique, a 31-year-old resident of Redwood City, was booked into the San Mateo County Jail charged with:

• 664 / 288(a)PC - Attempted lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age
• 288.3(a) PC - Contact minor with the intent to commit a sex crime or other serious felony
• 288.4(b)PC - Arrange or meet with minor with intent to engage in lewd or lascivious behavior

Sexual exploitation of children affects communities everywhere, including Menlo Park. The individuals arrested, traveled here specifically to victimize children, underscoring the importance of vigilance and proactive enforcement.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to help their children be safe online and to be aware of the websites and mobile applications they are using. If you suspect online child exploitation, please report it to law enforcement immediately.

If you know or suspect a child is being sexually exploited, please call 9-1-1, your local police agency, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

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Contact:

Detective Edward Mazon [email protected] 650-330-6357

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