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30-year-old Daniel Alvarez is accused of sex crimes against a child. Detectives describe Daniel Alvarez as a deceiving man who used the internet to take advantage of a 15-year-old. But the suspect's family says they are having a hard time believing the felony charges could be true.
Shocked family members fought back tears after learning their brother was arrested for lewd acts with a minor.
The suspect's sister, Esther Alvarez said, "I know he's not capable of what they are accusing him of doing. I don't believe it. My mother taught us better than that."
Madera County Sheriff's investigators arrested Alvarez Friday just before midnight. Detectives say he arranged to meet the teenage victim on Facebook at a Madera location. Sheriff's say the suspect and victim have met on prior occasions.
Erica Stuart with the Madera County Sheriff's Department said, "The child's mother happened to see dialogue on Facebook and was alarmed and immediately contacted authorities."
Family members say Alvarez comes from a close knit family. They say he's trusted around their children and has no prior criminal record. "And I'm behind him 100 percent. No matter what because he's my family," said Esther.
Sheriff's say Alvarez sought out his victim and so there is a chance there could be more victims who have not come forward. Investigators are also looking into whether Facebook was the only way he initiated contact with any other minors.
Alvarez is set to be arraigned Tuesday.
