SAN DIEGO -- Authorities announced the arrest Tuesday of a City Heights man who allegedly committed several rapes in recent months while working for a private security firm.

Robert James Purdy, 41, is scheduled to be arraigned on four criminal charges, including rape, child molestation and kidnapping, in downtown San Diego Wednesday, according to sheriff's officials.

Purdy, a Wackenhut Corp. employee, allegedly used his security guard's badge to convince women and girls to get into his car, where he forced them into sex acts.

The alleged victims "were in areas known for prostitution when they were victimized," SDPD public information officer Monica Munoz said.

Detectives arrested Purdy at his 49th Street home last Thursday.