Man arrested for sex crimes
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Authorities arrested a 35yearold Moorpark resident on Feb. 26 and charged him with several felonies involving lewd acts upon a child and unlawful sexual intercourse.

Samuel Castro allegedly befriended the 15-year-old victim at a social gathering about a year ago. After luring the teenager with outings, gifts and phone calls, the older man eventually decided to take the girl to a friend's residence in Santa Paula to engage in sexual activity, according to Moorpark police detectives.

The family of the girl reported her as a runaway in late January.

Since the victim didn't have any prior runaway incidents or problems at home, police immediately tried to locate her but without luck, until someone came forward with information about the victim's activities with the suspect, said Sgt. Will Hammer of the Moorpark Police Department.

In late February, the teenager was found living in Santa Paula at a place allegedly furnished by Castro, who was also reportedly providing food and clothing for the juvenile. The victim was not taken by force; she apparently went with Castro willingly, the detective said.

Castro, who has been married for an extended period, managed to build a relationship with the teenager that led her to trust him, according to Hammer.

This is type of behavior is known as "Stockholm syndrome," he said. A juvenile who is kidnapped and held by an adult may start to see that person as a security blanket, so the victim becomes loyal to the wrongdoer. The local case appears to be consensual, probably because the girl was looking for attention, Hammer said.

"Castro basically groomed the girl to convince her that she was more important than his current wife," the detective said.

Authorities said they're now investigating to see if any other girls were involved with Castro in the same way.

Anyone with information on any unlawful contacts between the suspect and other minors, or any information that may help law enforcement with the investigation, is encouraged to call the Moorpark Police Department at (805) 532-2700.

All calls will be investigated regardless of whether the callers identify themselves or wish to remain anonymous.