Banning Police Arrest Oregon Man After Probe Into Teen Correspondence

BANNING, CA — A Pacific Northwest man who allegedly had inappropriate communication with a local teenager was charged with two felonies following his Feb. 14 arrest by Banning police.

Devon Richard Decerto, 32, of Gresham, Oregon, was charged Feb. 17 with arranging to meet with a minor and contacting a minor with intent to commit specific crimes, according to court records.

Banning police allege the crimes were sexual in nature.

In the early afternoon of Feb. 14, the teen's mother came into the Banning Police Department to report that a man, later identified by investigators as Decerto, was inappropriately communicating with her child.

Police determined Decerto corresponded with the 16-year-old teen on social media and had flown to California for a meet-up.

During the meeting outside of Banning city limits, Decerto assaulted the youngster, according to police.

When Decerto attempted to fly home from Ontario International Airport on the night of Feb. 14, Banning police intervened and arrested him.

Decerto was booked into Banning's Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on suspicion of misdemeanor sexual battery; and felony charges of contacting a minor with the intent of sex; lewd and lascivious acts with a child; and arranging to meet a minor, according to jail records.

Decerto pleaded not guilty Feb. 17 to the two filed felony charges (arranging to meet with a minor and contacting a minor with intent to commit specific crimes) but remained jailed Thursday in lieu of $25,000. He is due back in court for a May felony settlement conference.