BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Mark Derosia, a former Delano police chief, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of contacting a minor for sex, officials confirmed to 17 News.

Derosia, 68, was booked into a Kern County jail on suspicion of contacting and arranging with a minor with intent to commit sexual offense, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Derosia was not listed as in custody Wednesday morning.

Man suspected of taking human remains from Wasco train victim makes first court appearance

Sheriff’s officials said Wednesday morning investigators with the department’s Special Victims Unit were conducting a decoy operation looking to identify people attempting to contact minors to meet for sex.

Officials said Derosia was allegedly in contact with a decoy posing as a 15-year-old. In a release, the sheriff’s office said the decoy’s and Derosia’s conversations turned sexual and arranged to meet the decoy for sex.

Derosia was arrested in the area of Olive and Knudsen drives on Tuesday.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

17 News Alerts

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110 or the Kern Secret Witness hotline at 661-322-4040.

Derosia was abruptly fired as Delano police chief in November 2017. At the time, city officials would not comment on Derosia’s dismissal saying it was a human resources issue.

17 News will have more on this story at 17 News at 5.

Check back for updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.