LODI-

It is a place parents bring their kids to let loose, Hale Park.

On Friday, Lodi Police received a report that 31-year-old Mario Martinez-Bautista may have been taking photos of kids at the park, but their investigation led to something else.

“Through an investigation, talking to him, examining his phone, they were able to determine an inappropriate relationship that he had with a different 15-year-old victim earlier,” Lt. Sierra Brucia, with the Lodi Police Department, said.

No photos of kids taken at the park were found on Bautista’s phone, but officers did find nude photos of the 15-year-old girl and another victim police believe might also be a minor.

“Be careful, watch your children and know what they are doing. Have conversations with your children about what is an appropriate relationship, especially a relationship with someone who is significantly older,” Lt. Brucia said.

Parents who often bring their kids to Hale Park found the arrest disturbing, but not surprising.

They say the park has been a magnet for trouble.

“I see different people, different groups. There are people who look like they have been drinking. There has been a couple of altercations,” Kerianne Kendall said.

Bautista is in the San Joaquin County Jail facing charges of lewd acts involving a minor.

His bail is set at $615,000. He is expected to make his first court appearance next Thursday.