OC Man Sexually Assaulted Girl, 15, He Met Through Dating App, Police Say

SANTA ANA, CA — A 49-year-old man was charged Friday with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl he met through a dating application.

Christopher Paul Merrell was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse, sending harmful matter to a minor to seduce, contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sex offense, meeting a minor to commit lewd conduct, lewd act with a child 14 to 15 years old and oral copulation of a victim younger than 16, all felonies.

Merrell, who allegedly met the victim two years ago, was arrested Thursday, police said.

Police said he continued a sexual relationship with the girl until she was 17. He also allegedly sent sexually explicit photos of himself to her and requested photos and videos of the teen, police said.