Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Gilbert Hinojosa - Repeat Sex Offender Exposes himself to child in Cole Park

Previous convictions:
  • Indecency with a Child by Exposure
    Victim Age: 8
  • Indecency with a Child by Exposure
    Victim Age: 12
  • Indecency with a Child by Exposure
    Victim Age: 13


A registered sex offender exposed himself to a little girl Sunday night at Kids Place in Cole Park. However, quick thinking by the girl and her mother helped police nab the suspect.

Another parent, Pearl Soto, said it was upsetting to hear that registered sex offender Gilbert Hinojosa allegedly exposed himself to an 8-year-old girl around 9:30 p.m. Sunday night at Kids Place. She said she was, "angry. Yeah, that's pretty gross."

"We're on par, I would say, with other cities our size," said CCPD Captain Wayne Tisdale. "It's just a constant, tracking and monitoring of registered sex offenders."

It was the intuitive 8-year-old who knew she had to tell her mom about what happened. She gave a detailed description to her mother who, in turn, tipped off police.

Captain Tisdale added, "If they are obviously not there with another child they should be on an exceptional alert."

It is places like this - a park, even a school playground - where an incident like this is most likely to happen because of the large number of kids that congregate there.

"I always keep them real close, Soto added. "Don't let them talk to strangers."

Unfortunately, this mom has seen other questionable things at the park. "There were condoms under there and tampons and all kind of stuff. Just disgusting, so maybe they need to put more security or something because that is unsanitary for the kids."

CCPD said it increases its patrols of area parks during the summer months but nothing compares to a parent's watchful eye.

Hinojosa is facing a charge of indecency with a child.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"
.........Sarah Tofte

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