On April 13, 2026, at approximately 7:45 pm, SVPD Officers responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Caballero St. regarding a sex crime investigation involving a civilian-led online decoy operation. The organization lured Soroush Esmaeilisikaroodi to the location after they matched with him on an online dating website and stated they were a 15-year-old juvenile female. Esmaeilisikaroodi was detained at the residence immediately upon arrival and placed in the backseat of a patrol car.
The suspect, Soroush Esmaeilisikaroodi (a 47-year-old West Hills resident), communicated with an individual posing as a 15-year-old female via a dating application, text messaging, and Snapchat. The decoy clearly identified as a minor during the conversation. Despite this, the suspect continued communication that became sexual in nature and made arrangements to meet in person.
The suspect arrived at the prearranged location, where he was detained prior to officers’ arrival.
Officers collected and preserved digital evidence, including message exchanges and additional materials provided by the reporting party. The suspect invoked his Miranda rights and declined to provide a statement.
The suspect was arrested for violation of 288.4(b) PC (arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes). He was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Main Jail without incident. His cellular phone was seized and booked into evidence. No actual minor victims were involved.
