Local Man Suspected of Beach Bathroom Sex

A 41-year-old Santa Monica man has been arrested in an undercover sting at a Manhattan Beach public restroom where more than a dozen were reportedly having sex.

In total, there were 18 men arrested on suspicion of any of the following charges: soliciting/engaging in lewd conduct in public place; loitering in/around public toilet for the purpose of engaging/soliciting lewd/unlawful act; utilizing a peephole in a restroom/invasion of privacy; resisting arrest and indecent exposure.

It was not immediately clear what charges the Santa Monica man, Isauro Benavides, Jr., is facing.

The investigation was prompted by lifeguards who told the police department that they had seen increased foot traffic near the restroom on the beach at Marine Avenue.

The same people were returning, some of the bathroom visits were taking more than an hour, and more than one set of feet could be seen in the stalls, according to Stephanie Martin, public information officer for the Manhattan Beach Police Department

Manhattan police began their undercover operation in early March.

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