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PD: Man molests 13-year-old Facebook friend at South Mountain Park

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Police say a man who met a 13-year-old girl online molested her several times at a Valley park.

According to court records, 19-year-old Ricardo Mauricio Gallardo met a 13-year-old girl on Facebook over the summer, then proceeded to make arrangements to meet her in person.

Police say Gallardo met the girl in person at South Mountain Park in Phoenix after convincing her to sneak out of her home to meet him. They met several times over a six week period at the park where Gallardo would sexually abuse the minor.

Gallardo was arrested on November 10 and allegedly admitted to police that he molested the young girl more than once.

He has been charged with multiple counts of child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor, and sexual abuse.