West Valley man accused of pretending to be 13 to lure minors for sexual exploitation

PHOENIX — West Valley police are urging minors who were victims of an accused child predator to come forward and help their investigation.

The Buckeye Police Department arrested 20-year-old Luis Garcia on Tuesday at his home near Jackrabbit Trail and Marshall Avenue. He faces multiple child sex crimes charges.

Police issued a Wednesday announcement saying Garcia posed as a minor to lure at least three underage girls into sex acts.

How did Buckeye police discover accused child predator?

The investigation started after a school-based Buckeye police officer discovered a sexually explicit video involving a 13-year-old girl and a male circulating on social media on Aug. 27.

Investigators determined the male was a 20-year-old man, after which detectives with the Buckeye Police Special Victims Unit identified Garcia as their suspect.

Police believe there may be more victims because Garcia resembles a teen and allegedly used social media to contact minors.

Victims as well as anyone else who can help this investigation are urged to contact detectives at 623-349-6411 or submit a tip online.

Related

Arizona man indicted for allegedly trying to coerce minor into sexual contactLive updates for Arizona’s 2026 midterm primaries: County website glitchMain roadway between Maricopa and metro Phoenix reopens after fatal incidentArizona voters to choose Republican and Democratic nominees for top education positionRetired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancerStorms make way into Valley with strong winds, scattered showers causing power outages