Convicted sex offender suspected of child annoyance at Sorenson Library

WHITTIER -- Sheriff's deputies arrested a previously convicted sex offender Wednesday on suspicion of child annoyance after he tried to convince a 16-year-old boy to go home with him, authorities said.

Michael Pappas, 48, of Whittier, was being held in lieu of $150,000 bail, according to Los Angeles County sheriff's officials and booking records.

A deputy patrolling Sorenson Park near Broadway and Rose Hedge Drive shortly before noon noticed, "an older male suspiciously standing over a young boy outside of the Sorenson Library," Deputy Paul Schrader said in a written statement. "As the deputy got closer, it appeared the boy was nervous and appeared upset."

When asked, "The 16-year-old boy told the deputy that the older male offered to pay him $25 if he would go home with him and help him inject his diabetic medication," Schrader said. When they boy refused, the man persistently continued trying to persuade him.

The deputy immediately detained Pappas and discovered he has previously been convicted of  lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14, as well as annoyance of a child under 16, officials said.

According to sheriff's booking records, Pappas was due for arraignment Friday in Whittier Superior Court.

Anyone with information regarding Pappas was asked to contact Sgt. Al Leyva at 310-877-7498.

PHOTO of Michael Pappas courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department