A Cottonwood sexual child predator used his knowledge and involvement in off-road motorcycles to lure young boys to his home so he could rape them, according to the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office. 49-year-old Scott McLaughlin is being held on $5 million bail following his arrest Monday afternoon. Detectives say he befriended his victims through their shared interest in dirt bike racing. McLaughlin is a self-employed mechanic who specializes in motocross bikes and quads. After gaining the trust of the boys and their parents, McLaughlin was able to convince an unknown number of boys to come to his Benson Road house for target shooting and sleepovers. That’s when many of the alleged sex assaults are believed to have occurred. He also accompanied some of the boys to races in the Marysville area. Detectives say he gave alcohol and marijuana to the boys before assaulting them, and then threatened to kill them if they told anyone. Officials are certain that there are more victims who have remained silent out of fear, but it’s hoped that they’ll come forward now that McLaughlin is locked up. Additional victims or their parents should e-mail Detective Chad Dada at [email protected]