Pleasanton man arrested in San Mateo County for alleged sex crimes

San Mateo County sheriff's deputies arrested a 19-year-old Pleasanton man after investigators said he used social media to prey on teenage girls, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

In July, sheriff's deputies responded to a call about a teenage girl who had been victimized by an unknown suspect, authorities said.

William V. Coultrip, a 2023 graduate of Amador Valley High School, was identified as a suspect by detectives using automated license plate recognition technology, social media and other investigative methods, the release said.

Coultrip was arrested by San Mateo County deputies with assistance from the Pleasanton Police Department on Aug. 15 on charges of sexual penetration with a victim under 18, assault with intent to commit a felony, arranging a meeting with a minor for a lewd purpose, contacting a minor for a sexual purpose and sending harmful material to a minor.

Investigators said Coultrip used social media sites such as Snapchat to lure his victims using pseudonyms including “John Kelly” and “Josh Foire” to engage in hundreds of inappropriate conversations with underage girls.

Authorities said Coultrip often drove to victims' homes or asked them to take public transportation to meet him in person.

The conversations Coultrip participated in included the exchange of child sexual abuse material.

Investigators are encouraging any other potential victims or anyone with information about Coultrip to come forward.

They can contact Detective Nicole Pitts at [email protected] or 650-363-4060 or submit anonymous tips by calling the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-547-2700.