Refugee returned to California after being arrested in Phoenix

PHOENIX — A fugitive wanted for sex crimes against children was returned to California this week after his arrest in Phoenix, authorities said.

Christopher Michael Loza, 47, appeared in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday to face charges of attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material.

On August 2, officers from the Phoenix Police Department's Repeat Offender Program came into contact with Loza as part of their intelligence and enforcement efforts, according to an FBI press release.

After a records check, Phoenix police discovered his outstanding warrant and arrested Loza after his escape attempts. He was then turned over to the FBI's Phoenix Division and returned to California for prosecution.

Loza was charged in January 2024 following an investigation by the Ventura County Child Exploitation Task Force. Investigators conducted an undercover operation in which Loza, also known by his online name ChrisLewd, allegedly made contact in an online chat room with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old female, but was in fact an undercover police officer.

Loza texted asking if he could come to the minor's home. He then drove to a park in Camarillo, a city in Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles, to meet the minor. According to the FBI, he was in possession of a USB stick containing child sexual abuse material at the time.

Loza was arrested on an indictment filed by the Ventura County District Attorney in 2023 and released on bail. After he failed to appear in court for arraignment, the Task Force attempted to locate Loza but discovered he may have fled.