He was aware of his actions

Former Delano police chief, 68-year-old Mark DeRosia, was arrested on Tuesday night at a motel in north Bakersfield on suspicion of contacting a minor with the intent to commit sexual acts. Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood expressed his lack of sympathy for DeRosia, emphasizing the seriousness of a former chief of police exhibiting such conduct. The arrest was part of a periodic sting operation where a detective posed as a 15-year-old online, engaging DeRosia in conversations that turned sexual, leading to a planned meeting.

The investigation into DeRosia’s alleged actions began on Saturday, and he was arrested on Tuesday night. DeRosia, who currently resides in Michigan, was back in Kern County for a wedding. Youngblood revealed that DeRosia was dismissed by the Delano Police Department in 2017 for undisclosed reasons. While the Sheriff declined to elaborate on the specifics of the dismissal, Mayor Joe Alindajao stated that DeRosia’s actions as a private citizen do not reflect on the Delano Police Department or its employees.

The Kern County District Attorney’s Office will decide whether to file charges once they receive the case against DeRosia. Youngblood stressed the importance of vigilance among parents in monitoring their children’s online activities and engaging with them to ensure their safety. He urged parents to familiarize themselves with the games their children play online, explore chat rooms, and make it a learning experience for both parties. Despite DeRosia’s law enforcement background, Youngblood stated that the investigation into his actions was conducted thoroughly and fairly.

The arrest of DeRosia, a former law enforcement official, has raised alarms among parents and the community regarding the safety of young children. Youngblood highlighted the dangerous implications of someone in a position of trust and authority engaging in such behavior, emphasizing the need for parents to be involved in their children’s online activities. Despite the disgust felt by Youngblood and other law enforcement officers towards those who exploit children, he acknowledged that such incidents occur regularly. The arrest of DeRosia serves as a stark reminder of the potential threats that exist online and the importance of safeguarding children from harm.

While details surrounding the case and DeRosia’s dismissal from the Delano Police Department remain unclear, the seriousness of the allegations against him cannot be understated. The local community, along with law enforcement officials, expressed shock and concern over DeRosia’s arrest, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors, from online predators. The case against DeRosia represents a disturbing example of the potential dangers lurking in online spaces and the crucial role that law enforcement and parents play in safeguarding children and preventing such incidents from occurring in the future.