Rhode Island man arrested on sexual endangerment of a child following undercover operation in Middleboro

MIDDLEBORO —- A Rhode Island man was arrested, Sunday, Sept. 14, for attempting to meet up with a Middleboro juvenile, according to Middleboro Police Chief Robert Ferreira.

Following an undercover operation, Efrain Ixcuna, 28, of Providence, Rhode Island, was arrested and charged by the Middleboro Police Department with Enticement of Child Under 16, Attempt to Commit a Crime and Reckless Sexual Endangerment of a Child, the Middleboro Police Department stated.

According to police officials, parents of the juvenile reported to Middleboro Police on Sept. 5 that their child had been receiving “inappropriate and sexual messages from an unknown male.”

The Middleboro Detective Unit began an investigation after the parents contacted the department. The unknown male, later identified as Ixcuna, allegedly continued communicating via text on the social media application Snapchat in an attempt to deceive the juvenile by falsely claiming he was 16-years-old.

Detectives assumed undercover control of the juvenile’s cell phone and continued to communicate with Ixcuna.

“Ixcuna was repeatedly informed that the child was underage,” the department stated. “Despite knowing this, he allegedly continued to send sexually explicit messages consistent with grooming behavior, including repeatedly asking for photographs and in-person meetings.”

Undercover detectives arranged a meeting for Ixcuna and the juvenile where detectives then arrested him without incident Sunday.

Police reported that “what appeared to be gifts intended for the child,” including jewelry and a stuffed animal were found in Ixcuna’s vehicle.

“I'd like to highlight the actions of an observant and vigilant parent," said Ferreira. "This case should serve as an important reminder for all parents and guardians to maintain a close and vigilant eye on their children's social media presence."