Zeferino Carlos Rangel. Photo: Stutsman County Correctional Center

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Police Department has arrested a man on suspicion of numerous sex crimes involving a juvenile.

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, police were notified of a high-risk sex offender who had been engaging in sexual acts with a juvenile minor. The information provided revealed the acts had occurred over the course of the last 4 to 5 months.

Investigation found that the victim and offender knew one another, the adult was giving items of value to the minor to engage in commercial sexual activity, was in possession of a firearm, and engaging in sexual acts with a minor over the age of 15.

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, police located the suspect as a passenger in a vehicle and conducted a high-risk traffic stop near the 1800 block of Highway 281 S.

Zeferino Carlos Rangel, 51, of Jamestown was arrested on suspicion of committing multiple felonies. He was taken into custody without incident. He’s currently being held in the Stutsman County Correctional Center awaiting formal charges.

A search of his residence found a firearm and drug paraphernalia.

The Jamestown Police Department was assisted by the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office, Stutsman County Drug Task Force, and ND Parole and Probation Office. The incident remains under investigation and additional charges are possible.