STANISLAUS COUNTY, CA — A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was arrested Monday in connection with an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor in Stanislaus County, officials confirmed.
Darin Van Arsdale, 34, of Lancaster, was taken into custody during a planned operation in Calabasas by detectives from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Human Exploitation and Trafficking team.
Van Arsdale faces three felony charges:
- Attempted lewd or lascivious acts with a minor
- Sending harmful matter to a minor with intent to seduce
- Communicating with a minor with intent to commit lewd acts
He was transported to Stanislaus County, booked into jail, and is being held on $300,000 bail.
Officials said the investigation began on March 18 after deputies responded to a report of a runaway girl. Upon returning her home, the minor reported inappropriate sexual conversations online with an adult male. Investigators allege that Van Arsdale was aware of the victim’s age and requested and received explicit photographs. Contact was initially made via social media.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated that Van Arsdale was on duty at the time of his arrest and has been relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The department emphasized that it holds personnel to “the highest standards, both on and off duty” and will take appropriate action under department policy and the law.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation remains active, and more details will be released as the case develops.