SAN JOSE (BCN) — A 62-year-old man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly sending harmful matter online to an undercover officer posing as a boy in San Jose, a police spokesman said Thursday.
Gerald McGuire, a San Jose resident, was arrested on suspicion of sending harmful matter to a minor and contacting a minor with the intent to commit a felony, police Officer Albert Morales said.
The officer, who posed as a boy, responded to an ad posted on social media by the suspect to meet a “younger male,” Morales said.
The officer exchanged multiple conversations with McGuire, who allegedly made numerous incriminating statements aimed at the made-up boy and sent harmful material to his online account, according to Morales.
McGuire allegedly made plans to meet who he thought was the boy at Commodore Park, located at the corner of Commodore Drive and North Jackson Avenue, Morales said.
Officers with the sexual assault investigations unit set up surveillance at the park, where they stopped and detained McGuire, Morales said.
McGuire was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail, where he is being held on $75,000 bail, according to jail records.
Anyone with information that can assist in the case is asked to call police Detective C. Mendoza at (408) 277-4102. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-7867.