By Mike Hazlip—
A Citrus Heights man was arrested in a sting operation after an undercover detective posed as a 13-year-old girl, according to a June 9 release by The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office said the man, identified as 48-year-old Ryan Coats, began communicating with an undercover detective in April of 2023. Coats allegedly sent sexually explicit pictures and videos of himself to the undercover detective, authorities said. The suspect also offered to meet with the detective, attempted to hide their exchanges from the detective’s mother, and also encouraged the undercover agent to view pornography.
Coats is a registered sex offender who was previously convicted of sending harmful matter to a minor in 2014.He also has a prior conviction in 2016 for communicating with a minor to commit a sex offense, and attempted lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14.
During the investigation, the Sheriff’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit coordinated with the Citrus Heights Police Department Sex Offender Registration Unit and found that Coats had moved from his previous address, purchased a different vehicle, and changed his telephone number. He was preparing to move to Oregon when authorities made the arrest, according to the release.
Sacramento County Jail records show Coats is facing three felony charges that are sending harmful matter with intent to seduce a minor, communicating with a minor with intent to commit a sex offense, and sex offender with a prior arranged meeting. He is ineligible for bail, records show.
Authorities are asking anyone who might have had inappropriate communications or contact with Coats to contact police.
