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Lompoc Today
By the People, for the People
Lompoc Man Arrested for Allegedly Seeking Sex with Minors
41-year-old Matthew Markonis used online platforms to contact and solicit girls as young as 13 and 14 years old.
Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:18am
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A 41-year-old Lompoc man named Matthew Markonis was arrested by Lompoc police detectives on Thursday for allegedly using online platforms to contact and solicit girls as young as 13 and 14 years old for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual acts. Markonis is facing charges related to distribution of harmful material to minors and attempted use of a minor to violate the Controlled Substances Act.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing threat of online predators seeking to exploit and sexually abuse minors, an issue that has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of social media and messaging apps. It also underscores the importance of law enforcement vigilance and community awareness in identifying and stopping these types of crimes.
The details
According to the Lompoc Police Department, in February detectives received information that Markonis was communicating with an individual believed to be a 13-year-old girl using online platforms like Chat Avenue and Discord. Investigators determined that Markonis also contacted another girl who he believed to be 14 years old. Markonis allegedly sent sexually explicit images of himself and expressed a desire to meet the girls for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual acts. On Thursday, Lompoc detectives located and arrested Markonis on a Ramey warrant, taking him into custody on charges related to distribution of harmful material to minors and attempted use of a minor to violate the Controlled Substances Act.
- In February, detectives received information about Markonis' alleged communications with a 13-year-old girl.
- Shortly before 3 p.m. on Thursday, Lompoc detectives arrested Markonis.
The players
Matthew Markonis
A 41-year-old Lompoc resident who was arrested for allegedly seeking sex with girls as young as 13 and 14 years old through online platforms.
Lompoc Police Department
The law enforcement agency that received the initial tip, investigated the case, and arrested Markonis.
What they’re saying
“This case highlights the ongoing threat of online predators seeking to exploit and sexually abuse minors, an issue that has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of social media and messaging apps.”
— Lompoc Police Department
What’s next
The investigation into the case remains ongoing, and the Lompoc Police Department is asking any additional victims or anyone with further information to contact Detective K. Horton.
The takeaway
This arrest underscores the critical need for ongoing vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement, online platforms, and the community to identify and stop the exploitation of minors through the internet and digital technologies.
