August 5, 2023 - Monterey County Sheriff's Office officials report that in June of 2023, a juvenile victim came forward and disclosed being sexually abused by a relative. Deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office contacted the victim and initiated an investigation into the allegations. Deputies assigned to the Patrol Division and Detectives from the Investigations Division began following up on investigative leads and conducted a forensic interview of the victim. Through the ongoing investigative efforts, the suspect was identified.

On August 1, 2023, Hugo S. Chavez was contacted at his residence and agreed to talk to Deputies. During the interview, CHAVEZ admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with the victim. CHAVEZ was subsequently placed under arrest and later booked into county jail on a variety of charges, to include:

PC 288 (a) – Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child.

PC 288 (a) – Contact a Minor With the Intent to Commit Sex.

At this time, this investigation is ongoing. If you were a victim and/or have additional details regarding this case, you are encouraged to contact Detective Rafael Garcia 831-755-3914 or Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy 831-755-3773 of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division.

Source: Monterey County Sheriff's Office