June 12, 2024 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Monday, June 10^th, 2024, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a sexual assault involving a victim who was under 14 years of age at the time of the abuse and an adult male suspect. Monterey County Sheriff’s Detectives began an investigation which led to the identity of the suspect. Detectives, along with assistance from the Watsonville Police Department, arrested 21-year-old Eric Martinez-Villanueva of Watsonville without incident at his residence along the 10 block of Lassen Way.

Martinez-Villanueva was booked in county jail for the following crimes, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, and corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a victim.

Investigators are aware of other victims, and they are working quickly to contact them. If you believe you have been a victim of a crime involving Eric Martinez-Villanueva and have not yet talked to law enforcement, you are encouraged to reach out to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and speak to one of our detectives.

Any member of the community with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Richard Geng at 831-253-6029, or Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3773.

Source: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office