Sex Offender Arrested on 'To Catch A Predator' Strikes Again in Orange County

Robert Rudy Salinas pleaded guilty to assaulting two underage teens in Garden Grove

Feb. 28, 2026 at 2:51am

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A 64-year-old convicted sex offender, Robert Rudy Salinas, was sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison for assaulting two underage teen girls in Garden Grove, California. Salinas had previously appeared on the TV show 'To Catch a Predator' in 2007 after being arrested by Long Beach police for attempting to meet with a 13-year-old girl.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of monitoring and rehabilitating convicted sex offenders, as well as the need for stronger laws and enforcement to protect minors from predatory behavior. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of programs like 'To Catch a Predator' in deterring repeat offenses.

The details

In January 2025, Salinas assaulted two underage teen girls in Garden Grove. Police were first called after a 15-year-old girl reported having sex with a 47-year-old man, but she later recanted the allegation. However, the girl's mother then saw her daughter with Salinas at a nearby park, and the girl acknowledged to police that she had sex with him. Salinas pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges related to lewd acts and contacting minors for sex.

  • On January 21, 2025, police responded to a report of rape involving a 15-year-old girl.
  • On February 2, 2025, the 15-year-old girl's mother saw her daughter with Salinas at a nearby park.
  • On February 4, 2026, Salinas pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison.

The players

Robert Rudy Salinas

A 64-year-old convicted sex offender who pleaded guilty to assaulting two underage teen girls in Garden Grove, California.

Matthew Blake Wallin

The defendant's attorney who filed court papers to lower Salinas' bail.

Craig Robison

The Orange County Superior Court Judge who sentenced Salinas to 8 1/2 years in prison.

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What they’re saying

“Salinas "has lived in Orange County his entire life" and was born in Santa Ana. At the time he was charged he resided in Buena Park, where he lived with his wife of 34 years and an adult son.”

— Matthew Blake Wallin, Defendant's attorney (Patch)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Robert Rudy Salinas out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of monitoring and rehabilitating convicted sex offenders, as well as the need for stronger laws and enforcement to protect minors from predatory behavior. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of programs like 'To Catch a Predator' in deterring repeat offenses.