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Animal control officer jailed on sex charges

CLOVIS — An animal control officer with the city of Clovis is facing charges of criminal sexual penetration with a 13-year-old girl, according to a Clovis Police Department release.

Antonio Cardenas, 21, was booked into the Curry County Adult Detention Center Friday afternoon. He faces charges of criminal sexual penetration of a minor with force, criminal sexual penetration and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

According to the CPD release and a warrant filed Friday in Curry County Magistrate Court:

• The victim told police she had been communicating with Cardenas over Snapchat, and that the two met in the late evening on May 21. The two went to Cardenas’ residence, where they smoked marijuana and had intercourse. The victim said she tried to dismiss Cardenas’ advances but was physically overpowered.

• An investigating officer was provided the phone the victim used to communicate with Cardenas, and the officer recognized Cardenas.

It was not immediately known if Cardenas was still employed with the animal control department, which falls under the umbrella of the CPD.

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