Sexual Assault of a Minor 

September 29, 2023 - Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that in April 2017, investigators from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station assumed the investigation into a sexual assault with a minor call for service. During the investigation, the suspect in the case was identified as Santos Garcia, a 51-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore. Garcia learned about the accusation(s) and fled to Guatemala. A warrant was issued for Garcia’s arrest. In September 2023, Garcia was located and detained in Guatemala and was subsequently transported back to the United States, where he was handed over to investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Garcia was booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center and charged with aggravated sexual assault on a minor and various other sexual assault charges involving a minor. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Master Investigator Deanne of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Central Homicide Unit at 951-245-3300.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099 or 911 if the matter is an emergency.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Jeff Reese

File # F171080041

Source & photo: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office