Man arrested in child molestation, attempted murder case

Detectives with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man Thursday in connection with child molestation and attempted murder.

Richard James Wasso, 45, of Bethel Island, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and on multiple counts of child molestation, deputies said.

Deputies said they began investigating Wasso in March after they received a report of alleged acts of molestation of a minor.

Detectives were able to confirm the victim’s allegations and also discovered Wasso tried to kill her, according to the sheriff’s office.

Wasso, who is a registered sex offender, was arrested without incident.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims in areas Wasso previously lived or spent time in.

These areas include San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Santa Clara counties and Manteca, Stockton, Ceres, Modesto, Gilroy and Morgan Hill.