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Man arrested for sex crimes with foster daughter

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A 65-year-old Petaluma man was arrested on Thursday after confessing that he repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with his 13-year-old former foster daughter.

Earl Desomber was arrested at 6:05 p.m. on the 1200 block of Lindberg Lane after he confessed to several acts of sexual contact with the girl.

A therapist notified the police department on Tuesday that two days earlier, the girl had disclosed questionable behavior by Desomber. After the disclosure, the therapist was told by other members of Desomber's family that there possibly had been additional sexual contact between Desomber and the girl, said Sgt. Mark Hunter of the Petaluma Police Department.

After police were notified, Officer Tami Shoemaker conducted an investigation, interviewing the victim and several witnesses. The investigation revealed that he potentially was involved in several acts with the girl during the past five years, Hunter said.

Desomber's family lived in Petaluma, Bloomfield and Citrus Heights during the time of the alleged crimes.

Desomber was arrested for engaging in three or more acts of substantial sexual conduct with a child under 14. He was booked into Sonoma County Jail, and his bail was set at $125,000.

The girl has been removed from foster care, and now is a ward of the court, so she has no parents or other people who is financially responsible for her, and the court has assumed custody of her.

2010 Feb 26