A man who allegedly molested at least one child on more than one occasion has been extradited to Tustin to face charges where the reported incidents took place.
In late 2011, the authorities were notified with a report regarding a teenager who asserted that she was sexually abused by a man while in the care of her babysitter for a period of approximately 2 years, and starting when she was 4-years-old.
When the claims were investigated, the evidence did not show enough probable cause to charge anyone for the allegations.
A 14-year-old girl who had the same babysitter filed a report in May 2016 stating that beginning in 2005 spanning through 2006 a man had molested her when she was taken care of by the woman.
A new investigation was opened and it led the detectives to the husband of the woman who was providing care for the children as the likely suspect of the allegations made.
The man, Spokane resident Gerardo Garcia Lopez, was served a warrant at his Washington residence on October 4 after the Orange County District Attorney’s office determined that they would file charges.
Detectives from the Tustin Police Department took a flight to Washington and picked up the 67-year-old man on October 26, and he was imprisoned in the Orange County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail.
Lopez is facing charges for two counts of lewd acts with a minor, and four counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor younger than 14, with sentencing enhancement allegations for multiple victims and substantial sexual conduct, as a result of the accusations.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a sexual offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.