Banning Unified School District Employee Arrested for Attempting to Meet Teen for Sex

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RANCHO CUCAMONGA – A 55-year-old Banning Unified School District middle school employee was arrested after sending nude photos of himself and planning to meet a decoy who he thought was a 14-year-old boy for sex.

Charles Mayer, of Menifee, initiated conversation with who he thought was a 14-year-old boy but was, in reality, a social media account used by Rancho Cucamonga Police for various unrelated investigations. The detectives and Mayer chatted back and forth for five days. During the five days, Mayer sent nude photos of himself to the decoy. He also invited the decoy to go to his Menifee home for the weekend to engage in sexual acts. Authorities said that Mayer then made plans to meet the decoy in Rancho Cucamonga, where he would pick him up so the boy could spend the night at his home.

On Friday, August 17, 2018, at around 4:30 p.m., Mayer left the Nicolet Middle School, in Banning, where he was appointed as the Dean of Students for the current school year and previously worked as a teacher. He went to the agreed upon meeting location, where a detective was waiting and he was subsequently arrested. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center for Sending Harmful Matter to a Minor, Arranging to Meet Minor For Sex Acts, and Meeting a Minor for Sex Acts. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Detectives are concerned Mayer has previously met with and engaged in sexual acts with other teenage boys and are releasing his photo. If anyone recognizes Mayer or has information pertinent to this investigation, they are urged to contact the Detective’s Bureau at the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.