Palo Alto, CA -- On May 20, 2003 at approximately 2:00 P.M., the Palo Alto Police Department responded to the Mitchell Park Dog Run on the report of two subjects engaged in sexual intercourse. Police contacted the two subjects, who initially told police they were both juveniles and had been dropped off at the park by a friend. Further investigation revealed that the two subjects, Rita R. Sharma, 27 years old, and the juvenile victim were acquaintances and had planned the meeting.

Sharma, who resides in Newark, CA and the victim were introduced by a mutual acquaintance. They had known each other for approximately three months and maintained contact primarily by computer instant messaging and the telephone. Sharma and the juvenile agreed to meet. Sharma picked up the victim juvenile and drove to Mitchell Park. A citizen visiting the park phoned police after seeing the two subjects engaged in sexual intercourse.

Sharma was released at the scene that evening to allow for a further investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case was forwarded to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office for review. The District Attorney's Office issued a warrant for Sharma's arrest.

On today's date, Sharma turned herself into the Palo Alto Police Department, pursuant to the arrest warrant. Sharma was booked into the San Jose Main Jail for PC 261.5(D), Unlawful Sexual Intercourse and is being held on a bail of $5,000.00.

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