Local man, 60, accused of child molestation

A 60-year-old Porterville man accused of fondling a 4-year-old girl was arrested Tuesday, the Porterville Police Department reports.

The suspect is being held on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor at the Tulare County Main Jail in Visalia.

Police say that around 3 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to an address in southwest Porterville where they learned the girl had been fondled by the suspect. According to reports, detectives with the department’s General Investigations Unit were called to the scene to interview all of those involved.

Detectives learned that the suspect was seen by the girl’s mother with the girl sitting on his lap. Police say the victim’s mother became suspicious and asked her why she was sitting with the suspect.

The girl reported what the suspect had done and her mother called police.

After interviewing the suspect and further investigation, he was arrested.