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WEST VALLEY CITY -- A South Salt Lake man is looking at possible rape of a child charges after admitting to an illegal sexual relationship. Investigators are also looking into whether the alleged victim's mother knew about it.
On Friday morning, a West Valley patrol officer saw something suspicious just outside the Factory 4 U at 3570 S. Redwood Road.
"He sees a young Hispanic girl who is being pinned up against some suitcases that are parked outside," explained West Valley police Lt. Bill Merritt.
Merritt says 25-year-old Pedro Romero was trying to kiss the girl, and she was resisting. The girl told the officer she was only 12.
After giving some false information, Romero reportedly admitted he'd been in a sexual relationship with the girl and that her mother would bring her to his home.
The mother denied knowledge of the sexual relationship, but Merritt says her behavior was odd.
"She didn't act surprised or concerned at all," Merritt said.
Police say Romero would call the visits to his South Salt Lake apartment "play dates."
E-mail: pnelson@ksl.com
