RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA. (THECOUNT) — Jason Whitney and Melinda Smith have been identified as the Rancho Cucamonga, California, couple charged Tuesday with sexual abuse of a child and possession of a controlled substance while armed with a handgun, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced.
Smith, 35, and Whitney, 43, were arrested Tuesday after officials “were notified of sexual acts against a minor female victim,” authorities said in a statement.
|
Advertisement |
According to the news release, sheriff’s detectives interviewed the minor victim and “learned she was sexually abused several times” by Smith and Whitney. The alleged crimes include inappropriate touching, oral copulation and digital penetration, which occurred over four months.
A search warrant was served Friday at the suspects’ home, where investigators said they found “a large amount of evidence corroborating the victim’s statement,” as well as methamphetamine and two loaded handguns, reports ABC7.
Detectives discovered that Smith and Whitney had set up their bedroom to film and record pornographic videos and web shows, the statement said.
Both were being held without bail and are schedule to be arraigned Wednesday in Superior Court.
Anyone with possible additional information on the case should contact police at 911.
Geo facts: Rancho Cucamonga is a city situated at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in San Bernardino County, California. It is located 37 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles. The city’s seal, which centers on a cluster of grapes, alludes to the city’s agricultural history including wine-making – Wikipedia.