A foster parent was arrested on suspcion of child molestation after a report was received and investigated by the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station. Jef Harmatz joins us with details about this investigation.
Juan Antonio Esparza, a 71 year-old resident of Barstow, was arrested Thursday (September 15), after an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse to a minor by a foster parent. During the investigation, the Morongo Basin-based deputies and the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Crimes Against Children Detail, identified five former foster children as victims of sexual abuse by Esparza. Yesterday, Crimes Against Children detectives interviewed Esparza, during which they report that further evidence was obtained. Juan Antonio Esparza was arrested for investigation of Lewd and Lascivious Acts on a Child and Oral Copulation on a Child, and was booked into the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino, where he remains in custody on $250,000 bail.
Detectives believe there are other victims who have been victimized by Esparza and are releasing his photo. If you have any information regarding this case or have been victimized by Esparza, please call the Crime Against Children Detail at 909-387-3545.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com.
