Sex offenders used social media to take advantage of single mothers with young daughters: police officers

A registered sex offender allegedly began romantic relationships with single mothers after connecting via social media — so he could eventually target her and her daughters, according to Oregon authorities.

Antonio Arredondo, 37, faces a range of charges – including rape – in connection with at least two cases, with authorities investigating two other cases that have not yet resulted in charges, authorities said.

The disgusting allegations were made public announced on Thursday while officers search for other possible victims.

Allegedly, Arredondo used social media apps like Facebook to form romantic relationships with single mothers with young daughters.

“Arredondo is eventually invited to the victim’s home and within a short time is sexually assaulting the mother and/or daughter,” the Washington County Sheriff’s Office claimed in a joint press release with other law enforcement agencies.

Arredondo was charged on August 2 with three counts of first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy and three counts of first-degree sexual abuse, which were linked to an investigation by Tigard police, authorities said.

He was charged again Monday in a separate count of first-degree sexual abuse in Washington County.

Investigators have learned of at least two other cases allegedly involving Arredondo “in similar circumstances.” The Portland Police Bureau and the City of Dallas Police Department in Oregon are each conducting an investigation.

Arredondo is a registered sex offender “dating back to a case in Texas with similar circumstances to Oregon,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Investigators believe he has been in the Pacific Northwest for several years,” authorities said. “With multiple cases across Oregon, investigators and prosecutors have a strong belief that there are additional victims in the Pacific Northwest region.”

The suspect is currently in the county jail.