Santa Cruz man arrested on suspicion of sex with 14-year-old

A 20-year-old Santa Cruz man has been arrested on suspicion of statutory rape involving a 14-year-old girl in Santa Cruz.

Shawn Michael Cox was arrested April 6 after the teen and her family told law enforcement about the relationship, which started on social media, according to Santa Cruz police.

Cox and the teenager engaged in a consensual sexual relationship which lasted over two weeks, authorities said.

Police said Cox knew that the girl was in middle school when their relationship began. Detectives used a ruse to arrange a meeting with Cox and arrested him at the meeting location.

Police are gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and investigating for any additional victims.

Cox was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on suspicion of sodomy and sexual intercourse, oral copulation and digital penetration with a minor. He is being held on $150,000 bail.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Santa Cruz police investigators at 831 420-5820.