Subject Arrested For Soliciting a Minor

On May 5^th 2021, the Chico Police patrol division investigated a report of a 27 yr. old male sending inappropriate messages to a 13 yr. old female victim.  Detectives took over the investigation and learned that these messages were sexually explicit in nature.  The male suspect was identified as James Connell and was a family friend of the victim’s parents.  Over the next few days, Detectives took over all communications with Connell while using the victim’s phone.  During these conversations, which Connell believed was with the 13 yr. old victim, Connell sent numerous sexually explicit videos of himself to the victim.  Connell also tried to convince the victim to send nude photos and videos of herself to him.

On May 13^th 2021, Connell arranged to meet the victim in the parking lot of a local business for the purposes of engaging in sexual conduct.  Detectives conducted surveillance of the area and located Connell sitting in his vehicle at the arranged location.  Connell was contacted and arrested.  Detectives served a search warrant on the vehicle and discovered that Connell had purchased food for both he and the victim.  A further search of the vehicle revealed evidence that led us to believe that Connell had the intention of having sex with the victim.

Connell was booked for sending harmful material to a minor, communicating with a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct and arranging a meeting with a minor for the purposes of engaging in lewd or lascivious behavior.  Connell was then transported to Butte County Jail.  

The Chico Police Department is asking anyone with any additional information pertaining to this investigation to contact the department at (530)897-4911.       

Location: City of Chico

Victim:  Withheld

Suspect:  James Malcolm Connell,  Oroville resident

Supervisor:  Sgt. Scott Harris

Lieutenant:   Lt. Brian Miller