SFPD Arrest Two Suspects for Soliciting Sex from a Minor

In early January 2016, the SFPD Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit was made aware of two individuals who were attempting to have sexual contact with a fourteen year old girl through online social media.

During the investigation it was determined that the individuals had both attempted to send graphic sexual images and videos to the child.

After a lengthy investigation, both suspects were taken into custody on February 25, 2016, when they attempted to meet with and have sexual contact with the child.  The arrests were made by the SFPD Internet Crimes Against Children unit with assistance from investigators from the San Francisco District Attorney’s Investigations Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Taken into custody are the following suspects:

Mark Berenstein, 43 year old male, San Mateo resident. Berenstein was charged by the District Attorney’s office with: 

• 288.2(a)(2) PC (Felony) – Sending harmful material to a minor. (4 Counts)
• 288.4(a)(1) PC (Misdemeanor) – Arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual contact.
• 288.4(B) PC (Felony) – Going to an arranged meeting with a minor for sexual contact.

Xi Yuan Lin, 39 year old male, San Carlos resident. Lin was charged by the District Attorney’s office with: 

• 288.2(a)(2) PC (Felony) – Sending harmful material to a minor
• 288.4(a)(1) PC (Misdemeanor) – Arranging a meeting with a minor for sexual contact.
• 288.4(B) PC (Felony) – Going to an arranged meeting with a minor for sexual contact.

Attached are Berenstein and Lin’s booking photos.

Although arrests have been made, anyone with additional information is urged to contact the SFPD anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444, text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message