'Baby Scumbag' arrested on suspicion of sexually exploiting 12-year-old girl
LOS ANGELES -- Three men, including a teenage professional skateboarder, were arrested on suspicion of exploiting a 12-year-old girl, who conducted sex acts in the hopes of meeting celebrities.
Compton resident Steven Fernandez, 15, is considered the prime suspect in the conspiracy, police said. Fernandez is a professional skateboarder known as "Baby Scumbag" on his YouTube channel. In March, thousands of fans chased him outside of a Downey mall, causing a premature shutdown of a celebrity event inside a clothing store.
Fernandez's manager, 22-year-old Jose Barajas, and fellow professional skateboarder, 27-year-old Keelan Lamar Dadd, were also arrested.
Authorities began investigating the trio on Nov. 13, when the victim told detectives that Fernandez had called her over to his car on Ventura Boulevard. He used his celebrity to get her inside the car, which was being driven by Barajas.
Once inside, Fernandez is said to have promised the girl he would introduce her to A-list celebrities and offer her a spot on a fake MTV show if she engaged in sex acts with him, Barajas and Dadd.
Fernandez and Barajas were arrested on Nov. 17 as part of a sting operation where detectives posed as a 12-year-old girl who had arranged to meet the teen at an abandoned home for sex.
Dadd turned himself in with his lawyer on Dec. 3. All three were booked on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14. Barajas' bail was set at $475,000 and Dadd's at $200,000. Both men posted bail.
Fernandez was released to his mother and placed on house arrest with an ankle monitor since he is a minor.
Authorities said the three men used to cruise the west San Fernando Valley area, Hollywood and Compton looking for young girls to solicit. Detectives believe there may be other victims.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Ninette Toosbuy at (818) 374-7718. During non-business hours on the weekends, people may call (877) 527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
