MANASSAS, Va. — A 22-year-old Maryland man has been arrested and charged in connection with the sexual assault and solicitation of a minor in Manassas, police said.
The investigation began after the victim, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offenses, reported the incident to a school counselor, who then contacted authorities. Detectives determined that between October 20 and October 21, the accused, identified as Elias Samuel Vargas Canaviri, sent sexually explicit messages to the victim through Snapchat.
Police say Vargas Canaviri arranged to meet the victim during this time and subsequently sexually assaulted the minor before the two parted ways.
On November 20, Vargas Canaviri, of 3005 Hardy Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland, was arrested and charged with indecent liberties, carnal knowledge, and use of a communications system to facilitate certain offenses involving children.
He is being held without bond, and his court date is pending, authorities said.