A registered sex offender, Ardy Vance Thompson, 50, of Victorville, was arrested for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl in San Bernardino County, authorities reported.
According to the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Department, on June 24, Thompson picked up the girl, provided her with marijuana, and drove her to a remote area west of National Trails Highway in the unincorporated Oro Grande community.
While parked in this location, Thompson allegedly sexually assaulted the minor. It remains unclear how the victim and Thompson initially met, but deputies confirmed Thompson was previously unknown to the girl. Surveillance video helped identify Thompson as the suspect, leading to his arrest on June 28.
He is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. Thompson is listed on California’s Megan’s Law website as a violent sex offender.
